RENTON, Wash. — Gino Smith is expected to start at quarterback when the Seattle Seahawks begin preseason with Pittsburgh this weekend. Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday.
From 2013 to 2016 he played for the Jets and in 2017 for the Giants, Smith was the leader in Drew Locke's race to become Seattle's starting QB throughout the offseason, earning the first will win his QB of 3 preseason games.
"He's still using them [and] he's going to start playing games this weekend," Carroll said. and made some big throws today.”
The Rock played well in Seattle's mock game over the weekend, leading the second offense against the Seahawks' starting defense. But when practice resumed on Tuesday, it was Smith who had the best offense.
“I think it was his most solid performance. I've had my days, but I think I've had the best days under the circumstances," Carroll said. "I really liked his composure and comfort in the pocket, the handling, the coordination, the call at the line of scrimmage, and how he handled it so well." Despite being called up as a starter against the Blues, Carroll said the Seahawks will prioritize having both quarterbacks on the same rep as the starting wide receiver.
Smith and Rock start after Russell Wilson traded to Denver in the offseason when they are vying for contenders. The Rock was part of the package Seattle received in return for sending Wilson to the Broncos. It's the Seahawks' first quarterback competition since 2012, when Wilson won the job as a rookie. Quarterbacks were the main focus, but Seattle suddenly fell thin in the secondary spot. Cornerback Sidney Jones was sidelined with a concussion and fellow cornerback Artie Burns Tuesday. suffered a groin injury during practice.
Versatile safety his Ryan his Neal will also miss with a sprained ankle. He's a pretty good ankle sprain. ''
