Smith is in line to step in as Seattle's starting quarterback beginning with the team's Week 6 game at Pittsburgh with Russell Wilson (finger) expected to be sidelined for at least a month, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
After exiting Thursday's loss to the Rams, the ultra-durable Wilson was diagnosed with a ruptured middle finger tendon on his right hand, an injury that will likely keep him out for anywhere from a month to 6-to-8 weeks. Seattle may look to the trade market or free agency for another veteran replacement, but for now, Smith looks set to quarterback a team with legitimate playoff aspirations for the first time in his nine-year career. Smith acquitted himself reasonably well while filling in for Wilson for most of the second half of the Week 5 loss, completing 10 of 17 attempts for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Even so, the change from Wilson to Smith is obviously a big downgrade for the Seattle offense, and for the fantasy values of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.