In Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks were forced to rely on backup quarterback Drew Lock as starter Geno Smith was sidelined due to a groin injury. Despite the unexpected change, Lock stepped up and played solidly in his first start for the Seahawks.

Following Smith's injury in practice last week, there were doubts whether he would be able to return in time for the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 18, which will be aired on Monday Night Football. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll remained optimistic about Smith's recovery, stating that he believes Smith will be back in action soon.

Smith's injury prevented him from running at full speed, making him unable to play against the 49ers. Carroll emphasized that Smith had shown determination throughout the week, but his inability to push off and the risk of aggravating the injury made it clear that he needed more time to recuperate. With an extra day of rest before the upcoming Monday night game, the Seahawks are hopeful that Smith's condition will improve.

Carroll provided details on how Smith sustained the injury during practice. He explained that Smith stumbled after completing a throw when one of his teammates accidentally clicked his heel while crossing behind him. This seemingly innocuous incident resulted in Smith jolting his leg into the ground, causing the groin injury.

In addition to Smith's absence, the Seahawks also encountered another setback during Sunday's game. Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, initially thought to have sustained a rib injury, actually suffered a hip pointer. Witherspoon's absence was felt, particularly in their tackling performance against the 49ers. Carroll praised Witherspoon as a valuable player, noting that his absence impacted the outcome of the game.

Moving forward, the Seahawks will closely monitor the progress of both Smith and Witherspoon. Carroll's positive outlook on Smith's recovery provides hope that the starting quarterback will be back in action for the highly anticipated Monday Night Football clash against the Eagles. Witherspoon's situation will also be monitored closely, as his presence on the field significantly contributes to the team's defensive capabilities.

As the Seahawks navigate these injuries and prepare for their next game, fans can stay updated on the latest developments by tuning into the Pete Carroll Show, airing at 9:30 a.m. on the weekdays following Seahawks games. The show offers insights into the team's strategies, injury updates, and analysis of the previous game.

The Seattle Seahawks will look to bounce back from their loss to the 49ers as they face the Eagles next week. The return of Smith and Witherspoon will be crucial in their pursuit of a victory, and fans eagerly await news on their availability in the days leading up to the game.