Russell Wilson Finger Injury Dooms Seahawks as LA Rams Prevail on Thursday Night Football

(Photo : Steph Chambers/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Quarterback Russell Wilson talks with head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at the Lumen Field on October 07, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.

The Los Angeles Rams moved a half-game behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West standings after a gritty 26-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football. It was a huge bounce-back win for the Rams, who suffered a humiliating 37-20 loss to the Cards at home in Week 4.

Matthew Stafford starred for the Rams, who improved their overall season record to 4-1. He completed 25 of 37 passes for 365 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Stafford led the Rams in the come-from-behind win as they turned a 7-3 half-time deficit into a nine-point victory in the end. Robert Woods also balled out for the Rams, catching 12 passes for 150 yards.

Russell Wilson injures finger against the Rams

It was a disappointing defeat for the Seahawks. They not only lost a key divisional clash in Week 5 but also may be without star quarterback Russell Wilson for the foreseeable future. Wilson exited the game in the third quarter after injuring the middle finger on his throwing hand. Wilson suffered the injury while firing a deep pass, with his hand clipping the wrist of Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

Russell Wilson’s fingers 😳

(via @NFLBrasil)pic.twitter.com/emdFM6Bkt6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 8, 2021

Seahawks trainers examined Wilson's injury on the sideline, with his right middle finger appearing out of joint. Wilson managed to return for a drive but was eventually replaced by backup quarterback Geno Smith. Wilson finished the second half with just 16 total yards in three drives played.

Geno Smith delivers in surprise appearance

Smith gave a good account of himself in Wilson's absence, leading the Seahawks to a touchdown in his first drive. In that possession, he engineered a 98-yard drive, completing all five of his passes for 72 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf.

What made Smith's performance so impressive was that he had thrown just nine passes before Thursday night's appearance dating back to 2018. He finished the game 10-of-17 with 131 passing yards and one touchdown.

GENO SMITH FINDS DK METCALF FOR THE TOUCHDOWN.

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/jJAnv2qh8L
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 8, 2021

Smith's night ended in disappointment, though, throwing an interception before the two-minute warning that sealed the win for the Rams. He was trying to locate Tyler Lockett with his pass, but the wide receiver tripped on his way to the intended target, leaving the Rams with an easy pick. The Seahawks recorded two turnovers in this contest, one more than they had in their first four games combined.

With the loss, Seattle dropped to the bottom of the NFC West standings with a paltry 2-3 record, trailing leaders Arizona by 2 ½ games. With Wilson possibly sidelined for the next few games because of an extensor tendon injury to his right middle finger, the Seahawks are in danger of losing further ground in the NFL's toughest division.