Could Seahawks Rookie WRs Have to Step Up Again vs. Browns?

Originally posted on FanNation Seahawk Maven
By Adam Schultz | Last updated 10/28/23

The Seattle Seahawks were without their leading receiver, DK Metcalf, against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, but it didn't matter to Shane Waldron's offense as they managed a 20-10 win at Lumen Field.

With Metcalf sidelined, it was time for rookie pair Jaxon Smith-Njiga and Jake Bobo to step up for the offense, and they did just that. Could they have to do it again on Sunday at home against the Cleveland Browns?

Metcalf is off the injury report vs. Cleveland, but Tyler Lockett popped up with a hamstring injury this week. He was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning in full on Friday.

While it appears that Lockett will be good to go for Sunday, he might not be at 100 percent. This would open up the door once again for Bobo and Smith-Njigba to make some key plays while Seattle's two top receivers continue to nurse ailments despite not being ruled out against the Browns.

The Seahawks' performance was far from perfect against Arizona, but they managed to do enough, with a pair of rookies doing the most damage.

Smith-Njigba managed 63 yards and a touchdown on his four receptions, while Bobo hauled in his four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

The pair were No. 1 and No. 2 in receiving yards for the Seahawks in the win, which moved Seattle to a 4-2 record.

After a slow start to the season, Smith-Njigba has found his groove over the last two weeks, totaling eight catches for 111 yards. While his preseason wrist injury likely played a role in his slow start, the former Ohio State Buckeye is starting to get himself involved in Waldron's offense.

Then there is the undrafted free agent Bobo.

After impressing all throughout training camp, Bobo has found opportunities rather hard to come by. But in the last two weeks, like Smith-Njiga, he is starting to catch a rhythm. Bobo has six catches for 104 yards in his last two games, and his offseason work is starting to pay off for the Seattle offense.

While the rookie duo was a bright spot for the Seahawks, there were plenty of self-inflicted wounds against Arizona. Pete Carroll's team committed three turnovers and only managed six points in the second half, which isn't ideal.

But winning masks many problems. Smith-Njigba and Bobo were a major reason for this, as the young duo announced themselves in a division game while helping cover the loss of Metcalf.

Now, the challenge for the pair is to back it up when Seattle faces the Browns at home on Sunday.

This article first appeared on FanNation Seahawk Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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