The Seahawks had a major injury scare during Super Bowl 2026.
Star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba went into the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion during the third quarter, with the Seahawks leading the Patriots, 12-0, at the time at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.
He had caught three passes for 24 yards before exiting.
He returned to the game early in the fourth quarter with Seattle ahead, 19-7.
Smith-Njigba was just named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year after recording 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season.
The Seahawks found the end zone for the first time without Smith-Njigba, though, with Sam Darnold completing a 16-yard touchdown pass to AJ Barner at the beginning of the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 19-0.
Drake Maye followed with a touchdown pass to slice the deficit to 19-7, but threw an interception on the ensuing possession and the Seahawks added a field goal to take a 22-7 lead.
Maye lost another fumble and this one was returned for a touchdown to give Seattle a 29-7 lead that all but secured the game.
