'Hurt' Geno: Seahawks' QB Recovered Physically, Emotionally From MNF Snub?

Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Geno Smith admits he was "hurt" by not starting last week's important game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

Geno Smith was hurt.

Not just by the nagging groin injury that had him less than 100-percent healthy for last Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. But also by the fact that the Seattle Seahawks chose to start Drew Lock over him at quarterback in the season's most important game.

Originally scheduled to not play, Smith impressed - and teased - coaches in pre-game warmups. Pete Carroll admitted he was tempted to start Smith, but made the "gut-wrenching" decision to stick with his medical staff and give his No. 1 quarterback another week of rest.

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Smith was in uniform and active, but relegated to backup duties.

"It was tough," Smith said. "Feeling like I was ready to play, expecting to go out there and play, and then coach making that decision. We've got to live with it.

"Obviously, I was hurt by it."

Lock threw the game-winning touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba to essentially save the Seahawks' season. Now 7-7, they are in the thick of a Wild Card race that heated up even more with Thursday night's impressive win by the 8-7 Los Angeles Rams.

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"I would hope so," said Smith, who has been a full participant in this week's practices. "I feel pretty good. Still getting better."

Seattle remains in a must-win situation Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. After missing the last two games, will Smith be back as the starting quarterback.

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