Sam Darnold is pushing to get back under center for the Seahawks, but Seattle may not need to rush the call.
Darnold said he is “really striving” to play Sunday against the Commanders, and he was a full participant at practice on Thursday. That’s the encouraging part. The caution sign is that it still sounds like the decision hasn’t been made yet, and it may be too soon to know whether he’ll actually suit up at Northwest Stadium.
That uncertainty matters because Drew Lock has handled the job well in Darnold’s absence. With Lock at quarterback, Seattle has opened the 2026 season 2-0, and the offense has kept rolling without forcing a desperate return.
Brock Huard pointed to one part of Lock’s game that deserves more credit: his knack for avoiding drive-killing sacks. That kind of steadiness has helped the Seahawks keep their footing early.
The line in front of him has done its part too. Third-year guard Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens will continue to rotate at right guard, just as they did in Week 2, while Anthony Bradford remains on injured reserve.
The Seahawks are also heading into this matchup with some history in the setting. They’re visiting Washington for the second season in a row at Northwest Stadium, and the Commanders game is the next step after a dominant win over the Cardinals pushed Seattle to 2-0.
Darnold’s path back has been about more than just missed time. ESPN reported that after an injury that briefly had him fearing for his football future and an “eye-opening” hospital stay, he is now nearing a return to the starting lineup. The Seattle Times and The Athletic both reported that he is “really striving” and “striving” to play Sunday, and The News Tribune added that he feared the hip injury might derail his career.
For now, Seattle has a choice: bring Darnold back if he’s ready, or ride with Lock again while the starter keeps healing. Either way, the Seahawks are in good shape entering Week 3.
In Other News...
Rams Suddenly Have A Puka Nacua Problem Heading Into Week 3
Puka Nacuas status has become one of the early-season worries for the Rams, with Sean McVay saying there is still uncertainty about whether the receiver will be available in Week 3. McVay described the issue as a minor injury and stressed that it is not viewed as a long-term concern, but even a brief absence would matter for a Los Angeles offense that has leaned heavily on him as a featured option.
For the Seahawks, it is the kind of development worth watching closely in a division that has already had its share of early drama. Seattle is also dealing with its own storyline after Mike Macdonald addressed a past controversy tied to Sean Paytons cheating suspicions, apologized for airing a private conversation, and said he takes responsibility for what he said. In a crowded NFC West, those off-field moments can linger just as much as the injury reports. [Read more 🡒]
Drew Lock Just Made Seattles Quarterback Decision A Lot Tougher
Drew Lock has spent the first two games of the season making a real case for himself behind Sam Darnold, and he has done it in a way that has turned heads inside and outside the locker room. DeMarcus Lawrence was among those taking notice, pointing to Locks high completion rate, four touchdowns and zero interceptions as evidence that Seattles backup has handled the job with poise while filling in.
The timing only adds to the intrigue for the Seahawks. Darnold is working back from injury and could be close to returning, but Locks strong start has raised his profile at exactly the wrong moment for a team that still has to sort out its long-term quarterback picture. With Lock in the final year of his contract and headed for unrestricted free agency after the season, Seattle suddenly has more to weigh than just who starts next week. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Real Fight Brewing On The Offensive Line
Anthony Bradfords move to injured reserve has suddenly opened a meaningful hole for Seattle along the offensive line, and the Seahawks will have to sort it out without their starting right guard for at least four games because of a hip injury. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury said Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens will handle the spot in Bradfords absence, setting up a competition that arrived faster than the team probably wanted.
Fleury pointed to both players work in the previous game against the Arizona Cardinals, which gives Seattle some reason for optimism even with the shuffle. Still, this is the kind of injury that can test depth quickly, especially up front, and the Seahawks now have a real decision to monitor as they look for the best answer on the right side of the line. [Read more 🡒]