Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Expects To Play Saturday Despite Oblique Injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold‘s status for the NFC divisional round was in doubt after injuring his oblique in practice on Thursday. Darnold, listed as questionable, is expected to be under center against the San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold told the media that he “felt a little something” on his left side while throwing. Darnold said that he left practice for precautionary reasons. He was quick to shut down any potential of him not playing on Saturday. “Just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said.

Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak declined to comment about Darnold and said that backup quarterback Drew Lock got some reps on Thursday.

The Seahawks are going to need Darnold to be close to 100% as they face one of the best defensive coordinators and potential head coach candidates, Robert Saleh. In previous matchups against the 49ers, Seattle’s offense struggled, scoring just 13 points in both meetings. Darnold will be getting some help as left tackle Charles Cross is back from injury and will suit up.

Darnold, 28, was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season and became just the second quarterback to win 14+ games in back-to-back seasons, joining Tom Brady. Darnold threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, both being in the top ten amongst the league.

The Seahawks signed Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract after having a career year with the Minnesota Vikings. The investment has paid off so far with Darnold leading the Seahawks to the number one overall seed and winning the NFC West for the first time since 2020. The former third overall pick has had a career revival after stints with the Jets, Panthers and 49ers.

After a disappointing playoff debut last season, Darnold looks to get the first playoff win of his career and to bring a Super Bowl back to Seattle.