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Brady Henderson
RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald expressed “real optimism” regarding Sam Darnold’s ability to participate on Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers, despite a recent oblique injury. This sentiment mirrors what the Pro Bowl quarterback conveyed the day prior.
yet, Macdonald’s remarks before the Seahawks’ divisional round playoff clash with their NFC West adversary left room for uncertainty, indicating that the injury could shift either before or after the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
The Seahawks listed Darnold as questionable after he exited practice earlier because he felt discomfort in his left side. Later that day, he reassured reporters that he anticipates being on the field.
“Regarding Sam, I heard what he relayed yesterday to you all, and I share the same perspective,” Macdonald commented to reporters. “We are categorizing him as questionable. I’m genuinely optimistic he will be able to play. Currently, we’re following all protocol… just as a precaution to ensure we’re well-prepared. We’ll evaluate him tomorrow to finalize our decision, but again, we’re hopeful he’ll be ready.”
“If he can’t go, or if something changes, then [Drew Lock is] prepared to step in, which is why Drew is here. He’s performing well.”
The Seahawks conducted a walk-through on Friday, following their usual routine before a game. Macdonald provided an evasive reply when inquired whether Darnold participated in throwing during the session. While the coach spoke to reporters by the sidelines of the indoor facility, Darnold and Lock were seen going through plays with receiver Jake Bobo, with Darnold appearing to make only light, underhand throws.
Macdonald was asked if Darnold looked physically improved on Friday.
“Yes, he reports feeling better,” Macdonald said. “But you spoke with him. He’s confident about playing. We share that same sentiment.”
Is there any concern that he might be restricted on Saturday?
“Well, that’s a possibility,” Macdonald replied. “I believe he’s confident in his ability to perform at 100 percent. So do we. yet, such situations can change in an instant, either before or during the game. So we just need to adapt.”
Lock, a veteran in his seventh year with a 10-18 record from 28 career starts, is positioned as Darnold’s backup. Jalen Milroe, a rookie third-round selection, stands as Seattle’s QB3. Milroe has been consistently inactive as a healthy scratch for the past 12 games but continues to dress as the emergency third quarterback.
Darnold’s injury occurred on Thursday. He informed reporters that he “felt a little something” in the oblique on his left side while throwing during a routes-on-air session, which prompted him to leave practice as a precaution. Seattle recorded him as a limited participant that day.
“I just didn’t want to overexert myself,” Darnold explained. “It wasn’t the right time to push it. So that’s why I stepped back, received some rehab, and I believe I’ll be ready for Saturday.”
When asked what percentage of him thinks he might not participate on Saturday, Darnold responded, “Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero.”
Darnold shared that he has never experienced an oblique injury and plans to receive additional treatment leading up to game time, adding: “We’ll tackle it over the next couple of days and be prepared for Saturday.”
Aside from Darnold’s uncertain status, the only other Seattle players with game designations are tight end Elijah Arroyo, linebacker Chazz Surratt, and tackle Josh Jones, all backups who have been ruled out. Left tackle Charles Cross and safety Coby Bryant will return after missing three and two games, respectively.
Cross was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a new knee issue but fully participated on Thursday.
“He just got a bit tangled during practice,” Macdonald explained regarding Cross’s situation. “We’re managing it; he’s good to go. It’s more of a precaution than anything else.”
Darnold, who joined the Seahawks in March after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, is on track to make his second playoff start in his eight-year NFL career. He reflected a sentiment expressed by Macdonald earlier in the week about not becoming overwhelmed by the postseason intensity.
“We’re treating it as just another week, another game,” Darnold stated. “… We have fantastic guys in that locker room, with mature leaders in every position group. Everyone’s just geared up, preparing for the week as usual, and excited to face a strong 49ers team that’s been on a roll.”
Darnold and the Seahawks triumphed over the 49ers in Week 18 at Levi’s Stadium, securing the NFC West and the conference’s top seed. With that victory, Seattle concluded the regular season at 14-3, matching the record Darnold had last year with the Minnesota Vikings, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
This year, he earned the Pro Bowl again, completing 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdown passes, while also committing an NFL-high 20 turnovers.
Darnold’s playoff debut last January ended in defeat, where he faced nine sacks in a wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He noted that the Week 18 victory against the 49ers felt like a playoff showdown due to the stakes and the crowd’s intensity at Levi’s Stadium.
The Seahawks will enjoy home-field advantage for the rematch.
“Being able to leverage our cadence will be vital, and having our 12s create a ruckus while they’re on offense will be crucial,” Darnold said. “It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere that we’re all eager to experience.”
This marks the first playoff game at Lumen Field with fans in attendance since January 2017. The only other home playoff match since then was at the conclusion of the 2020 COVID-19 season, when they lost in the wild-card round to the Rams in an empty stadium.
“We know Lumen Field is going to be electrifying,” Darnold stated. “This game is essential. We’re fully aware of its implications. The playoffs are thrilling to partake in, especially in January. But again, we’re treating this week like any other and are looking forward to it.”
