While notching new milestones and adding to his resume, Smith-Njigba tries to stay focused on staying in the present.
"Anything can happen," he said. "That's the mindset I have. So I'm just grateful for today, to have the opportunity to come out here on Thursday and prepare for Sunday night. Just day to day, get better. How can we go 1-0? How can I be there for my teammates, be there for Sam when that time comes?"
Through seven games, Smith-Njigba has 819 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 50 receptions. Part of that is the connection he has with quarterback Sam Darnold, but also how Smith-Njigba prepares throughout the week.
"We talk about it every week, it feels like now, Jax (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) being a really good player and understanding his role," Darnold said. "He's a great player, but when they do want to take him away, other guys are going to be able to shine a little bit. Understanding that, Jax does a really good job of understanding the plan every single week, just his mindset going into every single game. I feel like he's so clear on what we're doing as an offense and what his role is as a receiver. I can't speak highly enough about that guy, but it really starts with days like today with the way that he prepares."
His role on the offense is simple. "I can do anything you ask honestly," he said. "I'm going to get open. He's (Smith-Njigba) a receiver that's going to get open, catch the ball, and do his job, whatever his job is."
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said, "Can't say enough good things about his work ethic. He's had a really productive start to the season, and he knows as better as anybody that it's a long year and all of our work's ahead of us. So, keep his head down and stay humble and stay hungry."