Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith is expected to return to practice next week after missing a few days due to hip and knee problems, coach Mike Macdonald said on Saturday.

Smith watched from the sidelines during the Seahawks’ fan fest practice at Lumen Field. Afterward, Macdonald mentioned that Smith was scheduled for additional tests but he was hopeful that Smith would join practice soon.

“We’re still going through that process but it looks optimistic,” Macdonald said.

Smith was bumped during practice last Tuesday and had imaging done on Thursday.

With Smith out, Sam Howell has been taking the reps with Seattle’s starting offense in recent days, including Saturday.

Howell was acquired from Washington in March after starting every game for the Commanders last season. However, Smith is the clear starter for the Seahawks.

“It’s cool to see him have an opportunity with those guys,” Macdonald said about Howell. “I thought our offense looks like our offense. But excited to get Geno back, too.”