Seahawks Are Flying Blind In Best Division Without Russell Wilson For Two Months

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will be out for "6-8 weeks" following an injury to his throwing hand, sustained in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks Thursday Night Football matchup.

According to ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, "Seahawks are bracing for Russell Wilson to miss at least a month and possibly 6-8 weeks with his ruptured middle-finger tendon that likely requires surgery." He added, "Seattle is thinking about Wilson’s long-term health. Barring an unexpectedly swift recovery, it’s Geno Smith’s show."

Wilson sustained the injury leading up to the fourth quarter after making a throw and having his hand come down on Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The broadcast caught Wilson's dislocated finger bent sideways, until the Seahawks medical staff popped it back into place. Wilson returned to finish the drive, but was sidelined for the entire fourth quarter after testing his grip on the ball from the sidelines.

Backup Geno Smith suited up to take the reins of the Seattle offense and now appears to be first in line to carry the offense until Wilson's return. Smith was a serviceable interim play caller, leading a 98-yard touchdown march in his first drive. Things went south for Smith's comeback campaign after throwing an interception to Rams safety Nick Scott late in the fourth — sealing the victory for LA, 26-17.

The Seahawks sunk to the bottom of the league's most daunting division, the NFC West, after Thursday night's loss, going 2-3 in their first five weeks of play.

According to OutKick's ProFootballDoc, "Surgery was anticipated on @DangeRussWilson mallet finger (extensor tendon rupture) but apparently @Seahawks feeling his grip and accuracy may be an issue post-op." Dr. Chao expects Wilson to remain off IR, but is keenly watching the injury as surgery and further announcements ensue.

Follow OutKick VIP to stay updated on the latest developments from Wilson's injury and league-wide coverage on injury reports from Dr. Chao.

Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela