Seahawks optimistic Geno Smith can play vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith appeared to injure his elbow during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, putting his availability for Thursday night's Thanksgiving showdown against the San Francisco 49ers in doubt. However, speaking on a Seattle-area radio station on Monday, head coach Pete Carroll sounded optimistic about Smith's availability, even on a short week.

"They're taking a look at it, but they pretty much know what's going on there," Carroll said, per Pro Football Talk. "It's just see how soon it settles down. Like I said, it's a good sign that he's functional, so that's not the issue. So, it's just how sore he is. He'll make it back."

When specifically asked about the likelihood of Smith returning to face the 49ers on Thursday night, Carroll responded, "I would think so."

In a Monday morning conference call, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was questioned about the potential absence of Smith and running back Kenneth Walker (oblique) for the Seahawks and whether it alters the team's strategy against their division rival.

"No, it doesn't," Shanahan responded. "You never know anything for sure. But regardless, it doesn't change anything. You've always got to assume they're going to be there, but if they're not, not going to do anything differently."

The 49ers, with a 7- 3 record, sit atop the NFC West standings and are currently seven-point favorites for the Holiday matchup. With a 6-4 record, the Seahawks remain very much in the hunt.