Seahawks first-round pick appears on track to return for regular season

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's hopes of carrying an eye-catching preseason into the regular season have received a boost. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said last week that the wide receiver, the 20th overall pick in the first round, was looking at a three to four-week absence following wrist surgery. That timeline would mean him missing the season […]

Nicholas McGee

Aug 28, 2023 3:59 PM EDT

Jul 30, 2023; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) signs autographs after practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's hopes of carrying an eye-catching preseason into the regular season have received a boost.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said last week that the wide receiver, the 20th overall pick in the first round, was looking at a three to four-week absence following wrist surgery.

That timeline would mean him missing the season opener with the Rams and potentially the Week 2 clash with the Lions. However, Smith-Njigba appears on course for a quick return from an injury suffered in the second preseason game after NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported he will begin the season on the active roster.

#Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recently underwent surgery to repair a small broken bone in his wrist, is expected to begin the season on the active roster, source said. No word yet on his availability for W1, but avoiding IR/designated to return is a sign he'll play soon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2023

Smith-Njigba could still miss Week 1, but the fact Smith-Njigba will not be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return is a strong signal he will soon be returning to the field.

When on the field in preseason, Smith-Njigba displayed the explosive play ability that convinced the Seahawks to use their second first-round pick on the former Ohio State star.

A JSN BEAUT! ?

? #DALvsSEA on KING 5 pic.twitter.com/D3lPWaAZ4f
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 20, 2023

Set to be the Seahawks' starting slot receiver, Smith-Njigba has the talent to form a devastating wideout trio with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

If his success in training camp and preseason translates to the regular season, Smith-Njigba could add another dimension to the Seattle offense with his big-play upside from the slot.

Last season, per Sports Info Solutions, the Seahawks ranked 26th in total Expected Points Added when targeting the slot. Assuming Smith-Njigba is set to make a speedy return, they could soon get a significant uptick in that area.