Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba gave fans a real scare during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, when he had to exit the game briefly for evaluation after a tough play against the New England Patriots.
The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year headed to the blue medical tent and then the locker room, sparking questions about what happened to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the latest injury update, and whether he's playing today or in this case, if he finished the big game.
@UnderdogNFL shared on X that Jaxon Smith-Njigba was taken to the medical tent on Sunday after suffering a leg injury.
What Happened to Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
The incident unfolded in the third quarter during a low-scoring, defensive struggle where the Seahawks held a 12-0 lead at the time. Smith-Njigba made a short catch but got up slowly, limping a bit on the sideline.
Reports noted he had been dealing with some foot or leg discomfort earlier in the game, but the bigger concern came after his head appeared to hit the turf on the play, prompting immediate attention.
He went into the sideline medical tent for initial checks, then was escorted to the locker room for further evaluation. This followed standard NFL protocol for any potential head injury, with an independent concussion specialist involved.
@brgridiron shared on X that Jaxon Smith-Njigba returned to the locker room and is being evaluated for a possible concussion.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Injury Update
The primary focus was a concussion check after the head impact, as confirmed by team announcements and broadcast reports. There was also mention of a prior foot/leg issue that had been addressed on the sideline, but the concussion protocol took precedence once the head contact was flagged.
He was officially listed as questionable to return at one point, but he cleared the necessary steps and got the green light.
Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba Playing Tonight?
Yes—he returned to the field early in the fourth quarter after being cleared from the concussion evaluation. He finished the game with the team, though his production stayed limited overall (three catches for 24 yards on nine targets before exiting, and minimal additional impact after coming back in a tight, defense-dominated matchup).
@UnderdogNFL shared on X that Jaxon Smith-Njigba returned to Sunday’s game after being evaluated for a head injury.
The Seahawks ultimately came out on top in a gritty win over the Patriots.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Recent Injury History and Concussion Notes
This wasn't his first time going through a concussion check—he had a similar in-game evaluation in 2025 (Week 10 against the Cardinals), where he was cleared and returned. Going further back, he dealt with hamstring problems during his college days at Ohio State, but nothing that derailed his rise.
Despite those bumps, he's become one of the league's top producers, capping the 2025 regular season with 119 receptions, 1,793 yards, and 10 touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors.
What Does this Mean for Fantasy Football and the Seahawks Offense?
With Smith-Njigba clearing protocol and finishing the Super Bowl, there's no immediate long-term absence flagged. That said, post-concussion monitoring is always key in the NFL, so keep an eye on any follow-up reports from the team.
If he were to miss time down the line, the Seahawks' offense would lean more on other weapons like running back Kenneth Walker and fellow receivers/TEs for targets. In fantasy:
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Monitor official injury reports closely for any lingering effects.
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Have depth options ready in case of protocol holdouts.
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Prioritize handcuffs or stack pieces from the Seattle offense.
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Check game-day status before lineups lock.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All details about Jaxon Smith-Njigba's injury, evaluation, and return during Super Bowl LX are based on real-time reports from February 8-9, 2026, and may evolve. Concussion assessments follow NFL protocols; this is not medical advice. For official updates, consult the Seattle Seahawks, NFL sources, or team announcements. No guarantee of completeness or future status. (48 words)
