Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to have wrist surgery

(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undergoing surgery on his wrist but still could be available for the start of the regular season, coach Pete Carroll confirmed to reporters Tuesday.

ESPN reported that the surgery was taking place Tuesday in Philadelphia. Carroll called Smith-Njigba’s injury a “slight fracture” and didn’t rule out that the receiver could return in time for the Seahawks’ Week 1 contest Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.

“We just want to make sure that we do the right thing to ensure that he gets back as soon as possible and as safe as possible,” Carroll said. “We’re gonna be optimistic about it. Three, four weeks, we’ll see what happens.”

Smith-Njigba sustained the injury while reeling in a 48-yard catch during the second quarter of Saturday’s 22-14 preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

The Seahawks selected Smith-Njigba with the 20th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith-Njigba, 21, missed the majority of last season with Ohio State due to a hamstring injury. The preseason All-American sustained that injury in the season opener and played just parts of two games after that.

He had been poised to have a big season for the Buckeyes after catching 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2022. He finished the 2021 campaign with a Big Ten-record 1,606 yards receiving and nine TDs.

–Field Level Media