SEATTLE -- Quarterback Geno Smith said earlier this month that it's only a matter of time before Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enjoys a breakout game.
That time might be now.
Smith-Njigba, off to a slower start to his rookie season than many expected from the 20th overall pick, scored his first career touchdown on Sunday when he hauled in a 28-yard pass from Smith. It was also the longest catch of his career. The touchdown came on the Seahawks' second possession, giving them a 7-0 lead over the Arizona Cardinals.
Smith-Njigba suffered a broken bone in his left wrist in Seattle's second preseason game. He made it back by the opener but had a limited impact over the first month of the season, with only 12 catches for 42 yards over the first four games. Last week against Cincinnati, he caught four passes for a season-high 48 yards and got open for what would have been a 30-yard, go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter had Smith seen him.
Smith-Njigba played a season-high 53 snaps against the Bengals and is in line for an increased role against Arizona with DK Metcalf sidelined because of a hip injury.
7-11 is open for business!
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 22, 2023
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