The Seahawks got a bit of a scare last week when Sam Darnold suddenly showed up on the injury report with a left oblique issue. That led to Drew Lock taking first-team reps in practice, and understandably, it raised some eyebrows. But when game day rolled around against the 49ers, Darnold suited up, played through it, and looked composed, efficient, and in control.
Now, with the NFC Championship against the Rams on deck, the question is simple: how’s Darnold holding up?
The answer, at least from the quarterback himself, is encouraging. "I feel really good," Darnold said this week.
"Feeling really good this whole week. I feel like the process is going right along where it should be, so I feel really good for Sunday."
For Seattle, that’s exactly what you want to hear heading into the biggest game of the season.
Darnold’s injury last week wasn’t just a footnote-it was a legitimate concern. Oblique injuries can be tricky, especially for quarterbacks who rely on rotational torque to drive the ball downfield. And while Darnold managed to play through it against San Francisco-completing 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown in a dominant win-there was still some lingering doubt about how he’d bounce back physically.
That doubt appears to be fading fast.
Darnold’s full participation in practice this week is a strong sign that the injury is behind him, or at least manageable. And with the Rams’ defense looming-a group that’s been physical, opportunistic, and disruptive all season-having a healthy, confident Darnold under center is non-negotiable for Seattle’s chances.
The Seahawks also got another boost with left tackle Charles Cross coming off the injury report on Friday. His return helps solidify an offensive line that will need to hold up against a Rams front that doesn’t need much of an invitation to wreck a game plan.
Of course, not all the injury news is positive-losing running back Zach Charbonnet is a hit. He’s been a powerful complement in the backfield and a key part of Seattle’s ability to control tempo.
But Kenneth Walker is still in the fold, and when he’s rolling, he’s one of the most explosive backs in the league. Add in the rest of the offensive weapons-DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and a tight end group that’s quietly been productive-and this is still a unit capable of putting up points in bunches.
The Seahawks are heading into the NFC Championship with momentum, health trending in the right direction, and their quarterback sounding-and looking-ready. Against a familiar Rams squad that knows them well, every edge matters.
And having Darnold fully available? That’s a big one.