In line for regular role in Week 18

Head coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday that Smith will likely start and play the full game Sunday against the Rams, as the Seahawks aren't planning to give No. 2 quarterback Sam Howell any reps, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Seattle has been eliminated from playoff contention, but Smith doesn't look like he'll be rested, even though he's not far removed from suffering a knee injury in the Seahawks' Week 15 loss to the Packers. Smith has started all 16 of the Seahawks' contests on the campaign, while Howell has played just 25 offensive snaps, all but one of which came when he stepped in for an injured Smith in Week 15. Smith ranks fifth in the NFL with 4,097 passing yards on the season, though his 17:15 TD:INT leaves much to be desired.