Seahawks feeling 'optimistic' about QB Geno Smith's knee injury

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith left Sunday's 30-13 loss against the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury, but Seattle got some encouraging news the next day. 

Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that tests on Smith's right knee did not reveal any major injury, adding that he was hopeful about the veteran quarterback's availability for next weekend's game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings (4:05 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).

"We’re fortunate," Macdonald said. "A lot of positive, optimistic signs coming out of the tests. Geno’s a beast, man. He’s in here working out in the morning, working through it. I know he’s still feeling it, but this guy is tough as nails and hopefully we’ll see him practice throughout the week, and optimistic that he’ll be ready for the game."

Smith was hit low by Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who rolled over Smith's ankle. Smith limped off the field, throwing his helmet as he reached the sideline. He walked off the field a short time later, accompanied to the locker room by trainers.

Smith didn't return after the hit.  Macdonald said afterward that Smith's knee "structurally, looks like it's OK."

"This guy [is] probably the toughest player I've ever been around," Macdonald told reporters Sunday. "It was severe enough for him not to come back in the game."

Sam Howell, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Washington Commanders, replaced Smith. He'd played just one snap for Seattle prior to entering the game with his team trailing 20-6. He completed just 5 of 14 passes for just 24 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception. 

Smith entered the NFC showdown second in the league in attempts, completions and passing yards, but he struggled before he was hurt, throwing his fourth end-zone interception this season. 

He was 15-of-19 for 149 yards and the pick. Seattle dropped into a tie with the surging Los Angeles Rams atop the division.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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