Seahawks expect QB Geno Smith to return to practice in the upcoming week

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is expected to return to practice during the upcoming week after missing a few days with hip and knee issues, coach Mike Macdonald said Saturday.

Smith was a spectator during the Seahawks’ fan fest practice at Lumen Field. Afterward, Macdonald said that while Smith was set to have another set of tests, he expected the quarterback to get some practice time soon.

“We’re still going through that process but it looks optimistic,” Macdonald said.

Smith was jostled during practice last Tuesday and had imaging on Thursday. With Smith sitting out, Sam Howell has received the reps with Seattle’s starting offense for the past few days, including Saturday.

Howell was acquired from Washington in March after starting every game last season for the Commanders. But Smith is the undisputed starter for the Seahawks.

“It’s cool to see him have an opportunity with those guys,” Macdonald said of Howell. “I thought our offense looks like our offense. But excited to get Geno back, too.”