Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba playing tonight? Seahawks WR's status revealed for TNF game vs. Bears

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been Geno Smith's most reliable weapon in the playoff-chasing Seattle Seahawks. Njigba has been phenomenal in Year 2 and looks like the team's WR1 of now and the future.

Ahead of the Seahawks' Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, let's examine Smith-Njigba's availability.

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Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba playing tonight?

Yes, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is playing in Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Smith-Njigba did not appear on his team's injury report before the matchup, so barring any unfortunate occurrences, he will be catching passes from Geno Smith at Soldier Field.

The Ohio State Buckeyes product has been the epitome of availability since entering the league and hasn't missed a single regular-season game. Hence, it's not a surprise that he's set to play against the Bears in a very important game for the Seahawks' chance of staying in the playoff hunt.

While Jaxon Smith-Njigba is set to feature against Caleb Williams and Co., the same can't be said for a couple of his teammates. According to the team's website, tight end Brady Russell is out with a foot injury, running back Kenneth Walker III is out due to an ankle issue, and strong safety K'Von Wallace will play no part because of an ankle injury. The rest of the players on the report do not have designations.

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How is Jaxon Smith-Njigba performing this season?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been one of the standout sophomore players in the NFL. The former Ohio State Buckeyes standout has broken out in Year 2, and he's now the franchise's primary pass catcher despite the presence of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Smith-Njigba is one of the main reasons Geno Smith is on the brink of another 4,000-yard season.

Smith-Njigba has amassed a stat line of 93 receptions (sixth in the league), 1,089 yards (fifth), and six touchdowns in 15 games. The wideout is a borderline Pro Bowler, and he'll be looking to rack up more stats against a Chicago Bears side that has looked vulnerable defensively over the past few months.

The Seahawks will fancy their chances in Week 17 as they travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. The Bears haven't won a game since Week 6, and they're there for the taking against a Seahawks team with one of the best wide receiver rooms in the NFC. This game is significant as it's the Seahawks' last before a potential divisional decider against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18.