Report: Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba expected to face Saints despite illness

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

SEATTLE, Wash. — It seems rare for a Saturday illness to jeopardize an NFL player’s availability outside of the pandemic seasons, and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is keeping it that way.

Despite being added to the Seahawks’ injury report on Saturday with “flu-like symptoms,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the wide receiver is expected to be good to go against the Saints for their 3:05 p.m. CT kickoff.

Seahawks are expecting Jaxon Smith-Njigba to play today after he began experiencing “flu-like symptoms” Saturday, per source. https://t.co/R035d3sHdY

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2025

The NFL’s No. 2 leading receiver in yardage will square off against a Saints secondary that is looking to find its rhythm after the first two weeks of the season produced some ups and downs for the unit.

Second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is sure to have his hands full with the wideout on the field. A challenge he is likely looking forward to meeting.

Smith-Njigba currently has reeled in 17 receptions in 23 targets for 227 receiving yards. However, he has yet to score a touchdown in the process.