Jaxon Smith-Njigba has established himself as the Seattle Seahawks’ top receiver. With D.K. Metcalf traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cooper Kupp playing opposite him, he has become quarterback Sam Darnold’s top target.
The Ohio State product already has 17 receptions on 23 targets for 227 yards through the first two weeks, so it’s clear that the Seahawks like to lean on the third-year player. He doesn’t have any touchdowns yet, but that will change if he gets heavy usage.
Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba Play in Week 3 Against the Saints?
Smith-Njigba’s change in status came as a surprise on Saturday.
According to the Seahawks, “WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been added to the injury report as Questionable (illness).”
.@Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been added to the injury report as Questionable (illness).
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) September 20, 2025
No further details concerning his illness have been released. Still, it highlights what his absence could mean for the Seahawks’ offense, as they are already missing key players, including running back Zach Charbonnet.
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba was added to the injury report as questionable due to an illness…
Hope he can play the Seahawks are already likely without Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love, Nick Emmanwori, and Zach Charbonnet.
Can’t afford to lose anymore guys. pic.twitter.com/TN473lJHwo
— Sami ON Tap (@SamiOnTap) September 20, 2025
Head coach Mike McDonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak are big fans of centering the offensive game plan around the run, but they both know they need a downfield passing threat to keep defenses honest.
What Would the Seahawks Do Without Smith-Njigba?
Darnold’s second-most-targeted receiver is Kupp, with nine receptions on 12 targets for 105 yards and no touchdowns. After that, it’s running back Kenneth Walker III, with only four receptions on four targets for 17 yards.
If Smith-Njigba were to miss the game, Darnold might have to rely more on Kupp, who works mainly out of the slot. He’s still an effective receiver, though he’s not close to the player he was when he won the receiving triple crown in 2021.
Tight end A.J. Barner could see more looks in the seams, and rookie wide receiver Tory Horton could see significant action on the outside.
Losing Smith would be a big blow for the Seahawks, as he’s their main threat and is capable of keeping defenses honest against the run. Losing his ability to stretch the field would allow the Saints to load the box more often.
With Charbonnet listed as doubtful and unlikely to play, Kenneth Walker III might have to carry more of the load on the ground. So far this season, Charbonnet has had more carries than Walker, while Walker has been the more explosive runner.
Regardless, the Seahawks must be concerned about their health as more key players keep winding up on the injury report.
