The Seattle Seahawks are heading into Saturday’s divisional round playoff clash with the San Francisco 49ers with a key question mark under center. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold is officially listed as questionable with an oblique injury, putting his availability in doubt just days before one of the biggest games of the season.
Darnold, 28, spoke with reporters after Thursday’s practice and didn’t seem overly concerned, saying, “I feel like I’ll be ready to go.” That’s a good sign for Seattle, but the team will be keeping a close eye on how he responds over the next 48 hours.
If Darnold can’t suit up, the Seahawks will turn to Drew Lock, who’s no stranger to stepping into the spotlight. Lock, originally a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019, returned to Seattle in 2025 after a one-year stop with the New York Giants. He’s got experience in this system and has already made two starts for the Seahawks, splitting them 1-1.
Lock’s career has been a rollercoaster, with flashes of promise and stretches of inconsistency. He owns a 10-18 record as a starter, including an 8-13 stint with the Broncos before being dealt to Seattle in 2022.
Statistically, Lock has completed 59.6% of his passes for 6,369 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Those numbers paint the picture of a quarterback who can make plays but also has to manage turnovers carefully-especially against a 49ers defense that thrives on disruption.
For Seattle, the quarterback situation is just one piece of the puzzle heading into a high-stakes NFC West showdown. Whether it’s Darnold or Lock leading the offense, the Seahawks will need a poised performance under center to keep pace with a San Francisco team that’s been one of the most balanced and dangerous squads in the league all season.
All eyes now turn to the injury report-and ultimately, to Saturday.