Jaxon Smith-Njigba is good to go for Thursday Night Football.
The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver was limited earlier in the week with an ankle injury, but he was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and carries no game designation into Week 6 against the Denver Broncos.
That is a major boost for a Seattle offense that will already be without running back Zach Charbonnet on a short week.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Cleared to Play vs. Broncos
The Seahawks confirmed Wednesday that Smith-Njigba has been cleared to play after progressing from limited participation earlier in the week to a full practice.
The ankle issue came out of Seattle’s Week 5 loss to San Francisco, but the final injury report removed any uncertainty about his status.
That matters because Smith-Njigba has been one of the most productive receivers in football through the first five weeks. Seattle’s own injury update notes that he enters Thursday leading the NFL in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Why His Availability Matters So Much
Seattle is coming off a 32-29 loss to the 49ers and is trying to avoid letting one divisional setback become a two-game slide.
Smith-Njigba has become the centerpiece of the passing game, giving Sam Darnold a reliable target at all three levels of the field.
His ability to separate underneath, create yards after the catch and threaten deeper coverage changes how Denver has to defend Seattle.
On a short week, having that kind of continuity is especially valuable.
Zach Charbonnet Is Out
Seattle will not be completely healthy on offense.
The NFL’s official Week 6 injury report lists Charbonnet out with a knee injury.
That shifts more of the backfield responsibility elsewhere and could force Seattle to lean even more heavily on the passing game.
It also makes Smith-Njigba’s clearance even more important.
Leonard Williams Is Also Good to Go
Defensive tackle Leonard Williams was limited during the week with an ankle injury but does not carry a game designation.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said both Smith-Njigba and Williams are ready to play.
That gives Seattle one of its most important defensive linemen for a matchup against a Denver offense that has struggled to consistently generate explosive plays.
Seattle Will Be Without Multiple Defenders
The Seahawks will be without starting linebacker Drake Thomas, who injured his ankle in the loss to San Francisco.
Linebacker Chazz Surratt is also out with a calf injury.
Those absences could matter against a Denver offense that may try to attack the middle of the field and use the running game to control tempo.
Broncos Have Major Injuries of Their Own
Denver enters Thursday night with its own significant absences.
Safety Talanoa Hufanga is out with an ankle injury, while cornerback Patrick Surtain II is also out.
Cornerback Riley Moss is questionable with a rib injury.
That leaves Denver’s secondary thinner than usual against a Seattle receiving corps that now knows its top weapon will be available.
What It Means for Thursday Night Football
For Seattle, the biggest question has been answered.
Smith-Njigba will play.
The Seahawks still have to manage a short week, missing pieces in the backfield and defense, and a road environment at Mile High.
But entering a game against a depleted Denver secondary with the league’s most productive receiver available is a very different proposition than preparing without him.
Seattle is 3-2. Denver is 3-2.
Thursday night’s game could become an early separator in the NFC and AFC playoff races — and Smith-Njigba will be on the field for it.
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