RENTON, Wash. — Geno Smith has learned to be patient serving as a backup quarterback. He's hoping that pays off for the next few weeks as he steps into the role of starter for the Seattle Seahawks after Russell Wilson was placed on injured reserve.
Smith will make his first start in four years on Sunday night when the Seahawks face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He entered in the fourth quarter last week against the Los Angeles Rams and flourished in trying to lead a late rally, only to fall short.
He's now had a full week of practice preparing to be the starter for the first time since December 2017. Smith has been with the Seahawks for the past two and a half years.
Along with Wilson, running back Chris Carson was also placed on injured reserve Friday. Both players will be unavailable at least until Seattle's game on Nov. 14 against Green Bay.
The Steelers are coming off a big win at home against Denver and will try to prove their offensive breakout against the Broncos wasn’t a fluke when they host Seattle. Steelers rookie running back Najee Harris piled up a season-best 122 yards in the win over Denver.
Harris said he is adjusting to playing in Pittsburgh, and he's excited to see what the Steelers can do as they get into the meat of the season. Harris could be in line for another big day against Seattle, which has NFL's worst defense.
Earlier this week, the Seahawks released cornerback Tre Flowers as they struggle to find the right combination at the position.
Flowers started the first three games but was benched in favor of Sidney Jones after Minnesota dissected Seattle's secondary in Week 3.
Coach Pete Carroll raved about Flowers' performance in earning the starting job during training camp but didn't have many answers on why his standing changed so quickly. The entire cornerback situation remains unsettled five weeks into the regular season.
Both teams come in with a 2-3 record.