The Seattle Seahawks are exactly where fans hoped they'd be when Mike Macdonald took over as head coach two years ago: hosting a playoff game at Lumen Field with a shot at the NFC Championship on the line. The energy in the stadium this Saturday is going to be electric - the kind of postseason atmosphere that makes January football in Seattle feel like a seismic event. But even with the home-field advantage and a roaring 12th Man behind them, the Seahawks are entering this clash with the San Francisco 49ers facing some real uncertainty under center.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, backup quarterback Drew Lock has been taking reps in practice over the past two days. That’s not just standard preparation - it’s a clear signal that starting quarterback Sam Darnold isn’t a lock (no pun intended) to be fully ready for Saturday.
The issue? An oblique injury that, as of the last practice, hasn’t been tested by actually throwing passes.
Macdonald was tight-lipped when asked directly by reporters whether Darnold had thrown during the team’s final walkthrough on Friday. That silence spoke volumes. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak had already acknowledged earlier in the week that Lock was getting work in with the starters, but this latest report adds weight to the idea that Darnold’s status is far from a sure thing.
That said, Darnold hasn’t backed down. He told reporters earlier in the week that he expects to play, and Macdonald has maintained confidence in his quarterback’s availability. But actions - or in this case, practice reps - tend to speak louder than press conference soundbites.
So what does this all mean for the Seahawks’ game plan? It means fans should expect a heavy dose of Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
If Darnold is limited or if Lock ends up seeing meaningful snaps, Seattle’s best path to victory is going to be on the ground. That puts the pressure squarely on the offensive line to take control of the trenches and exploit a 49ers front seven that hasn’t exactly lived up to its reputation this season.
This is where the Seahawks’ identity as a physical, run-first team will be tested. Walker’s explosive style and Charbonnet’s between-the-tackles toughness could be the difference-makers in a game where ball control and clock management will be critical. Leaning on the run game also helps protect a potentially compromised passing attack, especially against a San Francisco defense that still knows how to generate pressure when it counts.
And here's the kicker: the outcome of this game may hinge on the most polarizing player on the Seahawks roster this season. Whether that’s Darnold gutting it out, Lock stepping in, or the offensive line making a statement, someone is going to have to rise to the moment.
Playoff football doesn’t wait for anyone to get healthy. And for Seattle, the road to the NFC title game runs straight through the trenches - and maybe, just maybe, through a backup quarterback who’s been quietly preparing for his shot.