Seahawks Star Jaxon Smith-Njigba Faces Game-Time Call Against Saints

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been nothing short of electric to start the 2025 season, but his status for Sunday’s Week 3 clash with the New Orleans Saints is officially up in the air. The standout second-year wideout was added to the injury report late Saturday with an illness and is now listed as questionable. That makes him a true game-time decision as Seattle prepares for a key early-season matchup.

Through two weeks, Smith-Njigba has looked like a breakout star, racking up 17 catches for 227 yards and topping the 100-yard mark in both outings. He’s quickly emerged as the go-to target in Seattle’s passing game, and his chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold has been undeniable. Darnold has looked JSN’s way 23 times already, and the connection has been efficient and explosive.

But now, with Sunday approaching and his availability uncertain, the Seahawks may need to pivot. If Smith-Njigba can’t suit up or is limited, expect the offense to lean more heavily on the ground game, particularly Kenneth Walker III. The run game has been a steady presence, and Walker has the kind of burst and vision to carry the load if needed.

Another player who could see a bump in production is Cooper Kupp. The veteran wideout had seven grabs for 90 yards in Week 2 and would likely take on an even larger share of the target volume if JSN is sidelined. Kupp’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and move the chains makes him a reliable safety valve - and a potential difference-maker in this matchup.

As for the Saints, they’ve struggled to contain opposing passing attacks early in the year. In Week 2, they gave up three touchdown passes to San Francisco’s Mac Jones, and through two games, they’ve allowed the second-most passing scores in the league. That vulnerability in the secondary sets the stage for a potentially big day for Seattle’s passing game - assuming their top weapon is healthy enough to take the field.

The betting line has already reflected some of the uncertainty around Smith-Njigba’s status, with Seattle’s spread moving from -7.5 to -7. That half-point shift may not seem major, but it’s a nod to how important JSN has become to this offense in a short amount of time.

If he does play, all signs point to him being heavily involved again. He hasn’t found the end zone yet this season, but with the volume he’s getting and the favorable matchup against a reeling Saints pass defense, that first touchdown could easily come this weekend.

Keep an eye on pregame reports Sunday - Smith-Njigba’s availability could swing the tone and tempo of this game. One thing’s for sure: if he’s on the field, he’s going to be a focal point.