Concern growing over Sam Darnolds availability…
The top-seeded Seahawks “believe but don’t know” that former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold can be in a position to play in Saturday night time’s NFC playoff recreation against the 49ers, according to ESPN.
Darnold, who led Seattle to a conference-leading 14-3 mark after signing there as a free agent, formally is listed as questionable with an indirect injury he suffered Thursday in observe.
“Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since he hurt his oblique Thursday. The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start tonight’s game vs. the 49ers,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter posted to X on Saturday, hours before the 8 p.m. ET kickoff in Seattle.
“Backup QB Drew Lock took the reps the past two days and is ready if needed.”
Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to a recreation against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. Getty Images
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that the workforce is “really optimistic” that Darnold can be in a position to play in the division-round recreation following the workforce’s first-round bye.
Macdonald added that Darnold would take a look at the injury Saturday afternoon before an official choice is made.
The 28-year-old Darnold, the No. 3 decide by the Jets in 2018, threw for 4,048 yards with 25 landing passes and 14 interceptions in 17 video games after signing a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle in free company.
The former USC star spent last yr with the Vikings and loved a breakout yr after struggling over his first six NFL seasons with the Jets, the Panthers and 49ers.
The 29-year-old Lock, who spent last season with the Giants, tried only three passes this season as Darnold’s backup.
The Seahawks and the 49ers (12-5) break up their two video games during the common season, with each workforce successful on the highway, including Seattle’s division-clinching highway win in Week 18.
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