Of Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 93 total targets last season, 35.5% of them were targeted behind the line of scrimmage, the highest rate among wide receivers in the NFL and the 2nd-highest rate in a season since 2016 (min. 50 targets).

Single-digit yardage in win

Smith-Njigba brought in three of six targets for nine yards in the Seahawks' 34-14 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was held to the second-lowest yardage total of his career by a Falcons defense that has been doing a good job keeping plays in front of it all season. The profoundly disappointing showing followed a relatively encouraging stretch of games for the second-year pro, who'd posted a 32-291-1 line on 47 targets in his previous five games. Given the atypical nature of his numbers Sunday, Smith-Njigba shapes up as a prime candidate for a bounce-back performance against the Bills at home in…read more

Solid showing in loss

Smith-Njigba brought in five of nine targets for 53 yards and committed a fumble recovered by Seattle in the Seahawks' 36-24 loss to the 49ers on Thursday night.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba got off to a slow start, but he finished third in both receptions and receiving yards and second in targets by night's end. The second-year wideout has enjoyed a robust role in offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's system on most weeks thus far, logging at least seven targets in three straight games and four occasions overall. Smith-Njigba also has at least four receptions in three consecutive contests heading into a Week 7 road matchup against the Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Hits paydirt Sunday

Smith-Njigba hauled in four of his seven targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba finally cashed in his first receiving touchdown of the season after being held scoreless in Seattle's previous four contests. The sophomore receiver is now up to a 29-257-1 receiving line through five weeks, giving him modest fantasy value just past the quarter point of the regular season. Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks will have a short week of preparation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the 49ers.

Garners 12 targets on MNF

Smith-Njigba finished with eight catches off of 12 targets for 51 yards in Monday's 42-29 loss to Detroit.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba wound up tying DK Metcalf in targets (12) in Monday's exciting primetime matchup, but the latter produced the stronger fantasy line (7-104-0) compared to his upstart teammate. The lack of production makes the sophomore's performance feel underwhelming, but the fact that he garnered double-digit targets twice in Seattle's last three contests bodes well for his rest-of-season projections. JSN remains a solid deep-league play with upside heading into a Week 5 matchup against the…read more

Catches all targets for 39 yards

Smith-Njigba finished with three receptions on as many targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 24-3 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: The Seahawks took care of an undermanned Dolphins squad at home, resulting in a low-output game from Smith-Njigba. The sophomore wideout was coming off of his best game of the season, so fantasy managers should not give up on the youngster. Smith-Njigba will look to be more productive against the Lions next Monday.

First 100-yard game

Smith-Njigba recorded 12 receptions on 16 targets for 117 yards in Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over the Patriots.

Analysis: The Seahawks showed more aggression through the air than in Week 1, and targets condensed around Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf. Metcalf stole the headlines with a 56-yard touchdown catch, but Smith-Njigba emerged as Geno Smith's favorite target in all areas of the field throughout the day. As a result, he was able to tally receptions of 24, 19, 16 and 14 yards to record the first 100-yard game of his career. The Seahawks' offensive strategy is likely to vary from week to week, but Smith-Njigba…read more

Just two catches in debut

Smith-Njigba caught both of his targets for 19 total yards in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: It was an underwhelming performance for the second-year receiver, especially with Tyler Lockett catching six passes for 77 yards and DK Metcalf catching three passes for 29 yards. Still, it's encouraging that Smith-Njigba played 53 of 67 offensive snaps (79 percent) while Lockett played just 26 snaps (54 percent). That bodes well for his long-term outlook, but he may have a tough Week 2 matchup on tap against a Patriots team that just held Joe Burrow to 164 passing yards.

Pair of catches in preseason finale

Smith-Njigba brought in both his targets for 32 yards in the Seahawks' 37-33 preseason win over the Browns on Saturday night.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was out there with DK Metcalf as the starting wideout duo for Geno Smith on Seattle's opening possession, and the former made good use of his opportunity. Smith-Njigba was the target on Smith's first completion, which resulted in a 25-yard gain down the right side of the field. The 2023 first-round pick added a seven-yard grab later in the drive, and he projects to open the regular season as the No. 3 receiver behind Metcalf and Tyler Lockett (leg). However, he could very well…read more

Two catches in preseason opener

Smith-Njigba brought in both targets for 13 yards in the Seahawks' 16-3 preseason win over the Chargers on Saturday night.

Analysis: The second-year wideout operated as the de facto No. 1 receiver for spot starter Sam Howell due to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf both being held out. Both of Smith-Njigba's catches came on the Seahawks' third possession, and looking ahead to the 2024 regular season, the 2023 first-round pick could make a serious push to overtake Lockett for No. 2 receiver duties after posting a solid 63-628-4 line across 17 regular-season games as a rookie.

Back at practice

Smith-Njigba (shoulder) participated in Wednesday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba made multiple contested catches during practice, including a 50-yard toss from Geno Smith, showing he is past the shoulder injury that forced him from OTAs in June. Dugar projects that Smith-Njigba will take the next step in the offense this season and challenge defenses at every level, something we rarely saw in 2023 when he was mainly used as an underneath target. Still, his exact role is to be determined, as commanding targets away from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett is a tall…read more

Exits practice with shoulder injury

Smith-Njigba left Wednesday's practice early with a shoulder injury that coach Mike Macdonald doesn't consider serious, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Analysis: Macdonald canceled the last day of minicamp (Thursday) to reward his players for a good offseason, so Smith-Njigba's next opportunity to practice will be at the start of training camp in late July. It sounds like the Seahawks expect him to be healthy before then, but we may not have confirmation for a while with players and teams going their separate ways during the league's summer break.

Solid rookie campaign

Smith-Njigba recorded 63 receptions on 93 targets for 628 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games in 2023.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was the first wideout off the board in April's draft but finished 10th among all pass-catchers in receiving yards and ninth in receptions. The Ohio State product was the Seahawks' clear No. 3 receiver behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who combined for more than 2,000 receiving yards. Smith-Njigba won't turn 22 years old until February, so he has plenty of runway to develop. It will be tough for him to truly thrive as long as Lockett and Metcalf are around, though.

Notches TD on only catch Sunday

Smith-Njigba gathered in one of two passes for 12 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Steelers.

Analysis: The target count matched Smith-Njigba's second fewest in a game on the season, but he reached the end zone from 12 yards out to salvage his Week 17. Meanwhile, all of WRs DK Metcalf (eight) and Tyler Lockett (five), TE Noah Fant (six) and RB Zach Charbonnet (five) were targeted on at least five occasions. Smith-Njigba will aim to get back on track Week 18 on the road against a Cardinals defense that has given up the fifth-most yards per target (8.9) to opposing wide receivers on the campaign.

Full practice Thursday

Smith-Njigba (knee) practiced fully Thursday, Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle reports.

Analysis: After a knee injury resulted in Smith-Njigba being limited at Wednesday's walkthrough, the rookie wide receiver was able to handle every practice rep one day later, paving the way for him to suit up Sunday against the Steelers. The same can be said for undrafted rookie WR Jake Bobo (knee), while Dee Eskridge (ribs) didn't practice again Thursday and DK Metcalf (back) was added to the Seahawks' injury report as a DNP. There's no indication yet that Metcalf may be in danger of sitting out this…read more

Dealing with knee concern

Smith-Njigba was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a knee injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba consistently has earned a snap share of at least 60 percent per game since the Seahawks' Week 5 bye, recording a 47-540-3 receiving line on 66 targets over the last 11 contests. The rookie first-round pick has yet to break through with the first signature performance of his career, though, which isn't a shock on a team that stresses the run game and also features veteran wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Smith-Njigba will now have to work his way past a health concern in…read more

Hauls in six passes Sunday

Smith-Njigba recorded six catches (on seven targets) for 61 yards during Sunday's 20-17 win at Tennessee.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba welcomed back Geno Smith (groin) to the lineup after the quarterback missed the previous two games. While Smith-Njigba's output wasn't out of the realm of previous games during his rookie campaign, he surpassed 60 yards receiving for the fourth time in 15 contests and was only three yards shy of setting a new career high. As long as DK Metcalf (4-56-1 on six targets Sunday) and Tyler Lockett (8-81-0 on 11 targets) are healthy, Smith-Njigba will continue to play third fiddle, at…read more

Catches game-winning TD

Smith-Njigba caught all four of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 20-17 win over Philadelphia.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba played the role of hero for Seattle when he caught the game-winning touchdown with just seconds left in Monday's narrow victory. The rookie wideout had just three catches on three targets for 19 yards prior to scoring in the closing moments, so his role remains small despite producing a solid fantasy line in the win. Smith-Njigba should continue offering deep-league value when the Seahawks take on the Titans in Week 16.

Catches four passes

Smith-Njigba caught four of seven targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 28-16 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba looked like he was starting to heat up ahead of Week 14. However, Drew Lock got the starting nod in place of Geno Smith (groin), and Smith-Njigba only caught short passes as a result. Smith-Njigba's longest catch of the day was for 11 yards against this fierce divisional foe. He'll continue to work as the No. 3 wideout in this rotation, but the rookie's upside has been limited all year. He has yet to surpass 63 receiving yards in a game, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week…read more

Seven grabs in loss

Smith-Njigba brought in seven of 11 targets for 62 yards in the Seahawks' 41-35 loss to the Cowboys on Thursday night.

Analysis: The rookie led the Seahawks in receptions with a new single-game-high catch total, and he was just a yard short of equaling his high-water mark in that category as well. Smith-Njigba's target total also was his highest yet, and he's now drawn at least five looks in four of the last five games. He could be in for another busy game when Seattle engages in a rematch with the high-powered 49ers on the road Week 14.

Team-high yardage tally Thursday

Smith-Njigba brought in two of three targets for 41 yards in the Seahawks' 31-13 loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

Analysis: The rookie led the Seahawks in receiving yards despite a relatively modest total, with that feat largely accomplished via a game-long 34-yard one-handed grab down the right sideline early in the third quarter. Smith-Njigba now has a streak of four games with 40+ receiving yards, one he'll look to extend in a Week 13 Thursday night road matchup versus the Cowboys.

Finishes third in receiving yards

Smith-Njigba had three receptions on six targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Rams.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba would have had a fourth reception for 22 additional yards had the Rams not challenged the wideout's diving attempt in the first quarter and had the call correctly changed to an incompletion. Still, it was another solid outing from Seattle's slot receiver, who is averaging four receptions and 50.5 yards in six games since the team's bye in Week 5. Smith-Njigba should continue providing consistent value to managers in deeper leagues when the Seahawks host the 49ers for Thursday Night…read more

Reels in four passes

Smith-Njigba caught four of five targets for 53 yards in Sunday's 29-26 win over the Commanders.

Analysis: After a slow start to the season, Smith-Njigba has been consistent over the past five weeks, averaging 52.6 receiving yards per game and totaling two touchdowns. The rookie first-round pick still hasn't put forth a true breakout performance -- 63 yards is his season high -- but it's encouraging that he's a steady part of the offense. The Seahawks will face the Rams' young secondary in Week 11, so Smith-Njigba will have a favorable matchup even if he's still the No. 3 receiving option behind DK…read more

Full practice Thursday

Smith-Njigba (hip) was a full practice participant Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was held out of drills Wednesday due to a hip concern, but his ability to handle every rep one day later indicates he's good to go for Week 10 action. He'll be facing a Commanders defense on Sunday that has given up the second-most touchdowns (13) and most yards per catch (9.9) to opposing wide receivers in nine games this season.

Dealing with hip issue

Smith-Njigba was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: Since tending to a slight fracture in his wrist late in the preseason, Smith-Njigba has avoided the injury bug en route to a collective 29-272-2 receiving line on 43 targets in eight games to begin his career. Most of that production (17-210-2 on 23 targets) has come over the last four contests, but the rookie first-round draft pick now is dealing with a new health concern as Seattle prepares to host the Commanders on Sunday. As a result, Smith-Njigba's status should be watched as the week goes…read more

Stacking positive performances

Smith-Njigba recorded six receptions on seven targets for 63 yards in Sunday's 37-3 loss to Baltimore.

Analysis: The majority of Smith-Njigba's production came with the game out of reach, though he now has at least 60 receiving yards in two of his last three contests to go along with two scores. The highlight of his performance Sunday came on a 35-yard catch deep down the right sideline on the first play of the fourth quarter. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf will almost certainly be the top pass catchers in the Seattle offense moving forward, but Smith-Njigba is showing signs of a breakout with his recent…read more

Catches game-winning score

Smith-Njigba recorded three receptions on four targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was sporadically involved in the game, though he managed a 19-yard reception midway through the second quarter to set up Seattle's second touchdown of the game. He caught a touchdown of his own with 44 seconds remaining in the game, which turned out to be the winning score. Smith-Njigba has now found the end zone in consecutive games, though the return of DK Metcalf served to significantly limit his opportunities.

Delivers TD in spot start

Smith-Njigba finished with four receptions on seven targets for 63 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-10 win over Arizona.

Analysis: Starter DK Metcalf (ribs/hip) missed the first game of his career due to injury Sunday, opening the door for Smith-Njigba to make his first career start. The rookie wideout wound up leading Seattle in receiving while also cashing in the first touchdown of his career in the win. It was a game of firsts for Smith-Njigba, but he may have to wait for his next opportunity to shine if Metcalf -- who was a game-time decision for Sunday's contest -- is able to return against the Browns in Week 8.

Increased role on tap

Smith-Njigba is in line for an elevated role in Sunday's contest against the Cardinals with DK Metcalf (ribs/hip) inactive, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While Tyler Lockett also is active Sunday, he operated with a cap on his practice reps during Week 7 prep due to a hamstring injury, meaning Smith-Njigba is the healthiest among the Seahawks' top two available wide receivers. If Smith-Njigba's volume in the passing game increases, he'll be looking to build upon the 16-110-0 line on 25 targets that he's accrued through the first five games of his career.

Best day as pro

Smith-Njigba recorded four catches on five targets for 48 yards in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba didn't see an expanded role, as he now has five or six targets in four of five games on the season. However, he did manage an 18-yard reception -- the longest of his career-- to produce his highest yardage output in a game on the campaign. Smith-Njigba will continue to work behind both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in terms of priority in the offense moving forward, but it was encouraging to see him deployed in a slightly more aggressive manner.

Three short catches

Smith-Njigba caught three of six targets for five yards in Monday's 24-3 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba is running routes almost exclusively near or even behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by his minuscule aDOT (average Depth of Target) of 1.6 yards. It's disappointing usage for the first-round pick, but it's encouraging that he's still averaging five targets per game. It's worth noting that he suffered a fractured wrist in training camp and likely wasn't 100 percent coming into the season, so the Seahawks' Week 5 bye could help get him more acclimated to the system.

Held to one catch

Smith-Njigba caught one of three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 37-27 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba logged 31 of 71 offensive snaps (44 percent), which was his lowest snap share of the season and barely ahead of fellow rookie Jake Bobo (41 percent). Bobo caught just one pass for a five-yard touchdown on two targets. It's certainly a little concerning that Smith-Njigba is essentially tied with an undrafted first-year player for snap share, but it's worth noting that the Seahawks ran the ball 29 times, and Bobo is considered a high-end run blocker. Still, fantasy managers haven't…read more

Reels in five passes

Smith-Njigba caught five of six targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 37-31 overtime win versus the Lions.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba exited the game briefly with what appeared to be a leg injury, per Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. However, the rookie was cleared and finished tied for second on the team in targets with DK Metcalf. Smith-Njigba has connected on only short passes thus far, as his longest gain of the day was 16 yards. Nevertheless, it's promising that the first-round pick is getting targeted frequently through two weeks. It may be just a matter of time before he breaks out.

Targeted five times Sunday

Smith-Njigba (wrist) finished with three catches (five targets) for 13 yards in Sunday's blowout loss to the Rams.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was bottled up like rest of the Seahawks' receiving corps minus DK Metcalf, who scored the team's lone touchdown Sunday. The positive takeaway for the rookie was his presence in the lineup and his usage (five targets tied for team lead) following wrist surgery just over three weeks prior to kickoff. Smith-Njigba appears to have a lock on the slot position in Seattle, and he could see extra targets against the Lions next week if Tyler Lockett (head) has lingering effects after…read more

No role limitations after surgery

Coach Pete Carroll said Friday that Smith-Njigba won't have any limitations Sunday against the Rams despite have wrist surgery less than three weeks ago, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Analysis: Reports on a return timeline were all over the place after the rookie broke a bone in his wrist during a preseason game, and he ultimately made it back on the field in keeping with the most optimistic of estimates. Smith-Njigba was a full practice participant throughout the week and should quickly become one of the league's busier No. 3 receivers, even while sharing an offense with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Full practice Wednesday

Smith-Njigba (wrist) practiced fully Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba has made a speedy recovery following an Aug. 24 procedure to repair a slight fracture in his right wrist. He returned to practice five days after having the procedure, and now a little more than a week later, he was able to handle every available rep in Seattle's first official Week 1 session. The rookie first-round pick thus is slated to be Seattle's No. 3 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this Sunday against the Rams.

In line to play Sunday

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Smith-Njigba (wrist) is slated to play Sunday against the Rams, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba underwent surgery Aug. 24 to repair a slight fracture in his left wrist, but he was back on the practice field five days later and continued to take part in drills this Monday. Wednesday's injury report will reveal how much work the rookie first-round pick was able to handle in the first official session of Week 1 prep, but he's trending in a positive direction to be the Seahawks' No. 3 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in the season opener.

Another practice logged Monday

Smith-Njigba (wrist) participated in practice Monday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba has been handling on-field work for a little less than a week after undergoing surgery to repair a slight fracture in his left wrist on Aug. 24. The Seahawks aren't required to post their first Week 1 injury report until Wednesday, but the rookie first-round pick seems poised to be listed as limited, at the very least. The bigger question that remains is whether or not Smith-Njigba will do enough this week to gain clearance to make his pro debut in Sunday's season opener against…read more

Returns to practice Tuesday

Smith-Njigba (wrist) took part in Tuesday's practice, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The 2023 first-round pick ran routes and caught passes in individual drills, albeit with a heavy wrap on his surgically repaired left wrist following last Thursday's procedure to address a slight fracture. As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday, Smith-Njigba will avoid injured reserve to begin the season, but his status for a Week 1 divisional matchup with the Rams remains up in the air.

Expected to start on active roster

Smith-Njigba (wrist) is expected to avoid injured reserve and begin the regular season on the active roster, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba's availability for Week 1 still looks uncertain, but beginning the year on IR would have forced him to miss at least the first four games of the season. Coach Pete Carroll said he hopes the rookie first-round pick's recovery is only a "3-to-4-week deal," per Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune, so there's some reason for optimism about his chances of getting on the field in the first month of the season. Smith-Njigba underwent surgery Aug. 24 to address a minor wrist fracture.

Has surgery, timetable TBD

Smith-Njigba underwent wrist surgery Thursday but remains without a clear timetable for return, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Coach Pete Carroll said the surgery "went great" but didn't put a timeline on Smith-Njigba's return to the field. With the season just over two weeks away, it's difficult to envision the rookie out there for Week 1, but it sounds like we should expect to see him debut sometime in the season's first month. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will carry the bulk of the load in JSN's absence.

Slight fracture in wrist

Coach Pete Carroll noted Tuesday that Smith-Njigba has a "slight fracture" in his wrist and is slated to see a specialist, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Analysis: The report notes that Smith-Njigba has yet to have surgery to address the issue, and at this stage it's uncertain if the 2023 first-rounder will be ready for Week 1 action. Per Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune, the Seahawks are holding out hope that it's a three-to-four week injury for Smith-Njigba, but right now the wideout's status for the team's Sept. 10 game against the Rams is cloudy.

Needs wrist surgery

Smith-Njigba suffered a broken bone in his wrist during Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba will undergo surgery Tuesday, but per Schefter he could still be available Week 1 against the Rams. The rookie first-round pick reportedly suffered the injury on a highlight-reel 48-yard catch which saw him brought down just shy of the goal line. Should Smith-Njigba miss any regular-season action, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett would likely see an even bigger target share than usual.

Team-high receiving yardage tally

Smith-Njigba brought in all three targets for 58 yards in the Seahawks' 22-14 preseason win over the Cowboys on Saturday.

Analysis: The rookie first-round pick tied for the team lead in receptions while setting the pace in receiving yards. Smith-Njigba did most of his damage on a game-long 48-yard grab, which came on a pass from Drew Lock on Seattle's third possession and took the ball to the Cowboys' one-yard line. Despite the narrowly missed scoring opportunity -- DeeJay Dallas punched it in from one yard out on the next play -- it was a second straight successful exhibition showing for the Ohio State product, who also…read more

Three catches against Vikings

Smith-Njigba caught three of four targets for 25 yards in Thursday's 24-13 preseason win over the Vikings.

Analysis: Smith-Njigba was the only Seahawk with more than two targets in the first half and finished tied for the team lead in that category, as Seattle made a concerted effort to get the 2023 first-round pick involved while he was in the game. Most importantly, Smith-Njigba is healthy after a hamstring injury limited him to just three appearances in his final season at Ohio State. He projects to occupy the slot role while DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett (undisclosed) start on the outside in the regular…read more