The Seattle Seahawks are staring down a critical playoff clash with the San Francisco 49ers, but there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the quarterback position - and it’s not the kind that clears by kickoff.
Sam Darnold, who’s been at the center of Seattle’s offensive rhythm down the stretch, is officially listed as questionable heading into Saturday night’s game. The issue?
An oblique injury that’s clearly more serious than initially hoped. Darnold himself tried to downplay the concern earlier this week, saying the odds of him sitting out were “closer to zero.”
But as game day draws near, that optimism is being tested - and hard.
According to reports, Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since sustaining the injury on Thursday. That’s not just a red flag - that’s a full-blown siren, especially for a quarterback whose game relies on timing, torque, and rhythm. Oblique injuries can be tricky, particularly for throwers, and the fact that he’s been sidelined from even light throwing suggests the Seahawks are preparing for multiple scenarios.
Enter Drew Lock.
The backup has taken all the first-team reps over the past two days, which tells us a few things. First, Seattle is clearly hedging its bets.
Second, Lock is being treated not just as a contingency plan, but as a potential starter. That’s a significant shift in tone from Darnold’s earlier comments, and it speaks to the reality the Seahawks coaching staff is facing behind closed doors.
This isn’t just about who takes the first snap. It’s about how the Seahawks offense will function against a 49ers defense that thrives on disruption and pressure.
Darnold has built strong chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season, and that connection has been a key part of Seattle’s ability to stretch the field and keep defenses honest. If Darnold can’t go - or if he’s limited - that dynamic changes.
Lock, to his credit, has shown flashes in spot duty. He’s got the arm talent and the moxie to make plays, but asking him to step into a playoff game cold against one of the league’s most complete defenses? That’s a tall order.
The Seahawks aren’t tipping their hand just yet, but the signs are hard to ignore. Darnold’s status is murky, and Lock is ready. Whether that’s a precaution or a necessity, we’ll find out soon enough.
One thing is clear: if Seattle wants to advance, they’ll need someone under center who can handle the heat - both literally and figuratively - of a primetime postseason battle in San Francisco.