Seahawks Stay the Course as Darnold, Key Starters Limited Ahead of Super Bowl 60
SAN JOSE, Calif. -
It’s not often a team heads into Super Bowl week with their starting quarterback limited in practice and barely a ripple of concern.
But the Seahawks aren’t blinking. Sam Darnold may still be nursing that oblique injury, but Seattle’s confidence hasn’t wavered - and neither has their plan.
Darnold, who’s been limited in every postseason practice week so far, was again a partial participant during Wednesday’s session at San Jose State University. That meant more first-team reps for backup Drew Lock, just like in the weeks leading up to the divisional round and NFC Championship. But if history is any indicator, Darnold will be under center when the lights go up on Sunday.
The injury dates back to a Jan. 15 practice session - just two days before Seattle dismantled the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round. Since then, Darnold has been on a managed plan: limited throwing in practice, full control on game day.
It’s worked. He led the Seahawks past both San Francisco and the Rams to punch their ticket to Super Bowl 60.
“He’s gradually increasing by the day,” head coach Mike Macdonald said before Wednesday’s practice. “Some days more than others.” That’s been the theme throughout this playoff run - steady progress, strategic rest, and results when it matters.
Darnold himself echoed that optimism. The week off between the NFC title game and the Super Bowl, plus some extra rest in San Jose, has helped him feel “really good.” He’s sticking to the program: rehab, rest, and readiness.
“I’m always going to take one step at a time,” Darnold said. “Do my rehab. Do everything I need to do to make sure it feels great going into practice, going into the game, obviously, on Sunday.”
Injury Watch: Emmanwori, Cross, and Ouzts
Seattle’s injury report isn’t exactly clean, but it’s manageable - and more importantly, predictable.
Rookie standout Nick Emmanwori, a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, showed up with a newly listed ankle issue and was limited in Wednesday’s practice. But Macdonald didn’t sound the alarm.
Instead, he focused on what Emmanwori brings to the defense - versatility, instincts, and maturity beyond his years. He’s played a critical role all season, and the Seahawks expect him to be out there Sunday.
Left tackle Charles Cross continues to battle through a foot injury that’s lingered throughout the postseason. Like Emmanwori, he was limited, but he’s been suiting up and playing through pain without missing a beat. That trend looks set to continue.
Seattle also gave some strategic rest to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defensive lineman Leonard Williams, both of whom sat out full practice reps Wednesday. Neither is in danger of missing the game.
The one question mark? Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts.
He’s still dealing with a neck injury that kept him out of the NFC Championship Game and only saw limited action in practice. His availability for Sunday remains uncertain.
In his absence, special teams ace Brady Russell has stepped up, taking on more fullback duties in recent weeks.
All Eyes on Sunday
So here’s where things stand: Darnold’s on track to start, Emmanwori and Cross are expected to play, and the Seahawks are sticking to the formula that’s gotten them this far. Limited practice doesn’t mean limited impact - not for this team, not in this postseason.
Seattle’s been managing their stars with a clear plan, and it’s paid off. Now, with just four days to go before kickoff, the Seahawks are staying locked in, trusting what’s worked, and getting ready to chase the biggest prize in football.