Seahawks Backup QB Battle Just Entered A Much Bigger Week

As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, the spotlight is on players returning from injuries and the competitive battle for the backup quarterback position.

The Seattle Seahawks used Wednesday’s walkthrough to squeeze in one more useful day before the real preseason work begins, and the most notable developments were two returns.

Rookie running back Jadarian Price was back on the field after missing the previous five practices. Even in a walkthrough setting, getting him back into the mix mattered because it gave him a chance to collect mental reps and work alongside the rest of the team.

Second-year nickel Nick Emmanwori also made his first appearance in team activities during training camp. He had recently been removed from the PUP list after surgery to repair his ankle at the beginning of July.

The Seahawks do not appear ready to rush Emmanwori. There is a good chance he will be eased into more aggressive work, and he is not expected to practice Thursday or Friday. Still, his return marked a clear step in the right direction.

While those two returns stood out, Seattle is also sorting out a major question behind Sam Darnold at quarterback. Drew Lock has long been the familiar option as the backup, but the competition has been opened up, with second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe getting a real look.

Last season, Milroe was used more as a gadget player and did not get much development as a passer. This camp, the Seahawks have given him second-team reps alongside Lock, and there have been reports that he looks more consistent throwing to the middle of the field than he did as a rookie.

Lock still has the edge in experience, passing versatility and command of the offense, which keeps him in position to claim the No. 2 job. Darnold is highly unlikely to play Saturday against the Cowboys, so Lock is expected to get the first chance with the offense in the preseason opener, with Milroe likely mixing in as well.

These preseason games may end up deciding the backup quarterback battle. The third-string job could also become a trade chip, especially with several injuries and surprising retirements affecting other teams. Lock is also entering the final year of his two-year deal.

In Other News...

Jamal Adams Vikings Debut Took A Turn Seahawks Fans Know Too Well

Jamal Adams first preseason appearance for the Minnesota Vikings did not last long, and it brought an unwelcome reminder of the physical toll that has followed him in recent years. The former Seahawks safety, now trying to carve out his next chapter in Minnesota, left the field after a right knee injury and was taken away on a cart, cutting short what should have been a routine debut.

Adams was ruled out for the rest of the game, and the early reporting around the injury did little to calm concerns about the severity. For Seattle fans who watched his tenure end amid a long injury saga, it was the kind of sight that felt all too familiar, especially for a player who has bounced between teams since leaving the Seahawks. [Read more 🡒]

Cowboys Wont Get The Seahawks Look They Expected In This One

Jadarian Price was around the Seahawks during walkthroughs this week, but he is not expected to suit up against the Cowboys in the preseason matchup. Seattles first-round pick is dealing with upper leg soreness, leaving the team to shuffle its backfield plan as it continues sorting out the rotation before the games start counting.

Mike Macdonald confirmed Prices absence, which means the Seahawks will turn to other backs for this one, including Velus Jones Jr., Jacardia Wright, TJ Harden and Justin Jones. For a team still taking stock of its depth chart, it is another chance for those players to handle more of the load while Seattle eases its top draft choice along. [Read more 🡒]

Sam Darnold Just Gave Seahawks Fans A Real Reason To Believe

Sam Darnolds first season with Seattle already has the kind of national attention that can change the temperature around a quarterback room. The Seahawks new starter checked in at No. 21 on the NFL Top 100, a jump of 51 spots from the year before, and it came with a pretty clear sign that peers noticed what he did in 2025. He finished fifth in passing yards and DVOA, tied for ninth in touchdown passes and fourth in game-winning drives, which is the sort of production that turns a respectable signing into something more meaningful.

What stands out for Seattle is not just the ranking, but who was willing to speak up for him. Several defenders around the league, including Byron Murphy II, Grey Zabel and Derek Stingley, praised Darnolds performance and resilience, reinforcing the idea that his season was built on more than raw numbers. The Seahawks have spent plenty of time searching for steady quarterback play, and Darnolds rise has at least given them a real foundation to believe in while the rest of the league starts taking him seriously. [Read more 🡒]