The 49ers could face backup quarterback Drew Lock when the Seattle Seahawks enter Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday night that Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is dealing with what’s considered to be a two-week groin injury, and he’ll be a true game-time decision for the matchup against the 49ers.
Seattle elevated practice-squad quarterback Sean Mannion to its main roster Saturday in light of Smith’s midweek groin injury, which could sideline him for the pivotal NFC West clash.
If Smith can’t play, Mannion, 31, would serve as Lock’s backup. Lock, a second-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019, hasn’t started a game this season, but he has completed 4 of 12 passes for 66 yards and no touchdowns with one interception in two appearances.
In San Francisco’s 31-13 road win over Seattle on Thanksgiving, Smith completed 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards and no touchdowns with one interception. He was sacked six times for a loss of 48 yards.
Smith’s apparent injury comes at a costly time for the Seahawks, as they desperately need a win Sunday to stay in the NFC West race instead of dropping to 6-7.
The Seahawks also will be without linebacker Frank Clark (personal). Linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle), defensive tackle Jarran Reed (hamstring) and running backs Kenneth Walker III (oblique) and Zach Charbonnet (knee) all are listed as questionable, thought Schefter reported Saturday that Walker and Charbonnet are expected to play.
Along with Mannion, Seattle also elevated linebacker Patrick O’Connell, presumably for depth amid the Clark and Brooks situations.
But the 49ers will be without some key players, too. Defensive end Arik Armstead (foot, knee), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) and wideout/returner Ray-Ray McCloud (rib) all have been ruled out.
Guard Spencer Buford (knee), running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (hamstring) all are listed as doubtful.