Russell Wilson's finger injury has thrown a wrench into Seattle's season.
Wilson underwent surgery on his injured finger Friday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Wilson is expected to be out for roughly six weeks due to the complicated nature of the operation, which required screws to stabilize Wilson's finger, per Rapoport.
The Seahawks later issued a statement providing an update on Wilson's status.
"Russell Wilson injured his right middle finger during last night's game versus the Rams," the statement read. "He sustained two injuries to the finger: an extensor tendon rupture (mallet finger) and a comminuted fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint. He had successful surgery today in Los Angeles by hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan Jobe Surgery Center to repair both injuries. He will start therapy this weekend and it is highly anticipated that he will return to play later this season."
Seattle also released remarks from Dr. Shin, who stated, "Based on what I saw today, I am fully confident Russell will return to the NFL this season and play at the same world-class level that fans have come to expect of one of the game's very best quarterbacks."
Wilson suffered the injury in Thursday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams when his hand clipped the wrist of defensive tackle Aaron Donald during Wilson's follow-through on a pass attempt. X-rays on Wilson's finger came back negative, but following an MRI on Friday morning, Wilson underwent the procedure performed by Dr. Shin.
Geno Smith is the Seahawks' backup and is expected to serve as Wilson's replacement.
Wilson attempted to play through the injury Thursday night but quickly discovered he was unable to continue, going three-and-out before handing the reins to Smith. The veteran backup led a 10-play, 98-yard touchdown drive on his first possession, but threw a crushing interception that ended Seattle's chances of a comeback.
At 2-3 in the ultra-competitive NFC West, the loss of Wilson could prove to be devastating to the Seahawks' hopes of contending in 2021. Smith will be asked to keep them afloat, starting with a primetime date with the Steelers in nine days.
