Will Philadelphia Eagles Face Geno Smith in Matchup vs. Seattle Seahawks?
The Seattle Seahawks may not know of quarterback Geno Smith's official status until 90 minutes before Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it doesn't sound as though things are trending in a positive direction.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports says that Smith -- who is dealing with a groin injury -- will be a game-time decision before the Monday Night Football tilt at Lumen Field. However, Glazer added that it's believed to be "an uphill battle" for Smith to ultimately suit up in Week 15.
If Smith is unable to give it a go against the Eagles, backup Drew Lock will make his second consecutive start. The former second-round pick completed 22 of 31 pass attempts for 269 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 28-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers a week ago.
This, of course, is a game that coach Pete Carroll's Seahawks need to win as they try to keep their postseason hopes alive. The 6-7 Seahawks have lost four games in a row, and currently find themselves on the outside looking in for the NFC playoffs.
An added wrinkle to this game is that after consecutive blowout losses, it's not entirely clear what version of the Eagles the Seahawks will be getting Monday.
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Multiple reports indicated Sunday morning that former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia -- who has been a senior defensive assistant for the Eagles -- essentially has replaced Sean Desai as the team's defensive coordinator.
Additionally, quarterback Jalen Hurts' is questionable for the game, with ESPN's Adam Schefter noting that an illness he's dealing with got worse overnight. If Hurts can't play, Marcus Mariota will start at quarterback for the Eagles. Lock vs. Mariota isn't exactly the quarterback battle the NFL thought they would be getting when flexing Eagles vs. Seahawks into Monday Night Football.