The 49ers could face Drew Lock when the Seahawks enter Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
Seattle elevated practice squad quarterback Sean Mannion to the main roster on Saturday in light of Geno Smith’s midweek groin injury, which could sideline him for the pivotal NFC West game.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday night that Smith has been dealing with what amounts to a groin injury for two weeks and will be a real decision come game time on Sunday.
If Smith is unable to play, the 31-year-old Mannion will serve as Drew Lock’s backup. Lock, a former second-round pick by Denver in 2019, did not start a game in 2023 but made two appearances. In those games, Lock completed four of 12 passes for 66 yards, no touchdowns or picks.
In San Francisco’s 31-13 road win versus Seattle on Thanksgiving, Smith completed 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked six times for a loss of 48 yards.
Smith’s apparent injury comes at an expensive time for Seattle, as they desperately need a win to stay in the division race instead of falling to 6-7. The Seahawks will also be without linebacker Frank Clark (string), while linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle), defensive tackle Jarran Reed (hamstring), linebackers Kenneth Walker III (oblique) and Zach Charbonnet (knee) are all questionable.
Along with Mannion, Seattle also upgraded linebacker Patrick O’Connell, likely for depth amid the Clark and Brooks positions.
But San Francisco will be without some key players as well. Defensive end Arik Armistead (foot, knee), tight end Ross Doyley (ankle) and wideout/returner Ray Ray McCloud (rib) were ruled out.
Guard Spencer Buford (knee), running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (hamstring) are all questionable.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.