Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll believes Sunday’s game with the Division-leading San Francisco 49ers is a golden opportunity for his reeling team to get right.
“It’s unusual that you have a chance to come back and play somebody so soon. Can’t do it any faster than this. It’s been interesting, I know it is for them too, to put together the information and be so close to the game as you adjust and adapt your game plan, so it’s going to be an interesting matchup. We have a tremendous amount of respect for their organization and the club, they’re back on track. Last time we saw them, they were still kind of coming out their dip in their season, but they’re back on it and they’re really looking good. They had a great game last week and we know how difficult this team is going to be.”
Making the task more difficult is the health of quarterback Geno Smith. Smith was held out of the team’s Friday practice and is listed as doubtful for the game.
“He tweaked his groin a little bit yesterday. He just kind of stumbled over somebody, Carroll said when asked about Smith injury. As for wether his starting quarterback will be available for Sunday game, Carroll said that it would be a game-time decision.
The team did receive some good news regarding the running back unit. Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet practiced Friday and have a good chance to play on Sunday according to Carroll. “Both of those guys look pretty good. We have to see what happens tomorrow, see how they feel and all of that, but both guys worked today.”
If the Seahawks are to snap their three-game losing streak they will need both running backs and a healthy Smith. If Smith is not available Carroll is confident back quarterback Drew Lock can adequately fill in.
“He’s been waiting for this opportunity and looking forward to it and preparing for it. If this comes to past, then he is ready as he can get. I’m excited about him getting a chance to play and I know for him, he’s been really disciplined about the way he focuses every week to make himself know and believe that he’s going to be playing, as that guy has to do. If it changes this week, we’ll see the benefits of all his hard work to focus like you need to focus to maintain what it takes to play this game.”
