rewrite this title Jaxon Smith-Njigba Injury History: A look at the Seahawks receiver’s record

Jaxson Smith-Njigba was Sam Darnold’s go-to weapon this season. The Seahawks wide receiver led the team in targets and consistently made big plays as the quarterback’s most trusted option downfield.

Smith-Njigba won the the AP Offensive Player of the Year award on Thursday. He beat Rams wideout Puka Nacua, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Smith-Njigba and Seattle will take on the New England Patriots on Sunday. They are hoping to put the finishing touch on what has been a remarkable season with a Super Bowl victory.

Here’s a look at Smith-Njigba’s injury history since entering the league in 2023.

How often does Jaxon Smith-Njigba get injured?

Jaxson Smith-Njigba has been durable in the NFL, never missing a game due to injury. The last time he sat out games for health reasons was in college at Ohio State.

Smith-Njigba suffered a hamstring strain in the season opener versus Notre Dame in September 2022. He played in only two more matchups that season, missing 10 total games.

Smith-Njigba’s rookie campaign faced a potential setback when he broke a bone in his left wrist during a Week 2 preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

He underwent successful surgery in Philadelphia, with a recovery projected at three to four weeks, However, Smith-Njigba defied expectations by returning in time for the season opener.

His ability to stay healthy has helped him grow into one of the league’s best wide receivers. Smith-Njigba has racked up 282 career catches for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns, including back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He has become Sam Darnold’s No. 1 option during the Seahawks’ run to the Super Bowl.

Smith-Njigba’s 2025 season has been particularly special. The two-time Pro Bowler caught 119 passes, good for fourth in the league, led the NFL in with 1,793 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

He has also impressed in the playoffs. Smith-Njigba caught 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown in a 41-6 win over the 49ers in the divisional round. He dominated with 10 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown in a 31-27 victory over the Rams in the NFC championship.

All signs point to Smith-Njigba playing a major role in Seattle’s passing attack versus the New England Patriots in the 2026 Super Bowl on Sunday.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez