Jaxon Smith-Njigba expected to play on Sunday following wrist surgery

Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is expected to suit up and play in the Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday just two weeks removed from undergoing left wrist surgery.

Smith-Njigba, Seattle’s first-round pick in April’s NFL Draft out of Ohio State, returned to practice Tuesday. The Seahawks listed him as a full participant on Wednesday’s injury report. Head coach Pete Carroll said that if Smith-Njigba has experienced any pain since returning to practice, he wouldn’t know it based on the way the 21-year-old has conducted himself.

“He hasn’t said a peep about it, nothing,” Carroll said Wednesday, via Brady Henderson of ESPN. “He’s fine. It’s been a remarkable mentality that he’s brought to it. It’s better than most guys that you see. He’s not hesitating to do everything throughout the game plan and the preparation and all of that.”

Jaxon Smith-Njigba earns praise from fellow Seahawks wideout

Smith-Njigba suffered the wrist injury in the Aug. 19 preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. He used his left hand to brace himself while being tackled after coming down with a 48-yard reception. The first receiver to come off the board back in April, Smith-Njigba drew praise from teammate and fellow wideout DK Metcalf for how he has handled his recovery.

“It just shows his commitment,” Metcalf said. “I knew he was always going to play Week 1, just from talking to him around the locker room. He’s always a competitive dude who always wants to be out there on the field competing. I know he hated just watching practice the few days he had to sit out. It’s just good to have him back… I think his mindset is perfect for coming back and playing Week 1.”

When they take the field together, Smith-Njigba, Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will make up one of the best receiving trios in the NFL this season. Smith-Njigba missed the majority of his final season with the Buckeyes due to a hamstring injury. During his sophomore season in 2021, he led all Ohio State pass-catchers with 95 receptions and 1,606 yards, to go along with nine touchdowns. That includes an incredible performance in the Rose Bowl against Utah when he hauled in 15 receptions for 347 yards and three scores.