All the signs on Friday and Saturday pointed towards Geno Smith missing the Seattle Seahawks' crucial NFC West matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. That expectation has now been confirmed.

Smith was listed among the Seahawks' inactives for the Week 14 matchup. He did not take part in pregame warmups at Levi's Stadium.

His absence follows a groin injury he suffered in practice this week, and means Drew Lock will start in place of Smith.

For former Denver Broncos quarterback Lock, it is his first start with Seattle and his first of any kind since 2021.

And the pressure could hardly be higher.

The Seahawks are 6-6 on a three-game losing streak, three games behind the NFC West-leading 49ers (9-3).

Seattle desperately needs a win to avoid falling further behind in the NFC playoff picture, especially with the Seahawks set to host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 on Monday Night Football.

In his last action in relief of Smith in the Week 11 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, Lock completed just two of six passes for three yards and an interception.

Lock will at least have some help in the backfield, with running backs Kenneth Walker III (oblique) and Zach Charbonnet (knee) active. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle) has also been cleared to play.

Still, the odds are against him producing a game-winning performance against the 49ers, who are 14-point favorites to complete a regular-season sweep of Seattle.

49ers confirm inactives for Week 14, vs. Seahawks

No surprises here.