The Seattle Seahawks got a bit of a jolt Thursday when starting quarterback Sam Darnold unexpectedly appeared on the injury report with an oblique issue-just days before a pivotal Saturday night clash with the San Francisco 49ers. Coming off a bye week and heading into one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
But Seahawks fans can breathe a little easier.
Darnold, speaking to reporters after practice, downplayed the injury and made it clear he expects to be under center when the Seahawks host the 49ers.
“Just kind of felt a little something in my oblique, just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said. “Wasn’t the day to push it.
So, you know, that was it. Came inside, got some rehab, and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
That’s as close to a green light as you’ll get on a Thursday. According to Darnold, there’s “close to 0% chance” he won’t suit up-music to the ears of a Seahawks team that’s riding high after locking up the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Make no mistake: Darnold’s availability is critical. While his season hasn’t been flawless-turnovers have occasionally crept in at the wrong moments-he’s been a steady presence in the pocket and a key factor in Seattle’s offensive resurgence. Perhaps most notably, he’s helped unlock Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who’s blossomed into a go-to weapon in this offense.
And this isn’t just any game. The 49ers bring one of the most complete rosters in football, and even with home-field advantage, Seattle will need every ounce of firepower to hold them off.
If Darnold were to miss time, Drew Lock would get the nod. While Lock is a capable backup with starting experience, the drop-off is real-and the stakes are too high to roll the dice on uncertainty at quarterback.
So yes, the oblique injury was a scare. But with Darnold sounding confident and already back in the flow of rehab, the Seahawks appear to have dodged a major bullet. Now the focus shifts to Saturday night, where Darnold and the top-seeded Seahawks look to keep their postseason momentum rolling against a fierce division rival.