Seahawks’ Playoff Hopes Hinge on Sam Darnold’s Health Heading into Saturday Night Showdown with 49ers
As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for Saturday night’s divisional round clash with the San Francisco 49ers, all eyes are on quarterback Sam Darnold - and not for the usual reasons. Darnold was added to the injury report on Thursday and is officially listed as questionable, casting a shadow over one of the most important games of Seattle’s season.
Let’s be clear: Darnold has been a revelation for the Seahawks this year. He’s put together what can fairly be described as a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign, throwing for over 4,000 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
His arm talent, poise in the pocket, and chemistry with Seattle’s playmakers have been central to the team’s offensive identity. Losing him now, just as the stakes reach their highest point, would be a massive blow.
If Darnold can’t go, the Seahawks will turn to veteran backup Drew Lock. Lock has 28 career starts across his time with Seattle, Denver, and the New York Giants, holding a 10-18 record in those games. While Lock brings experience and a strong arm, there’s no sugarcoating the drop-off - especially in a playoff setting against a battle-tested 49ers squad.
And that’s what makes the timing of this injury so tough. The NFL’s decision to slot this game on Saturday night already raised eyebrows, especially considering the 49ers are on a short week.
But with Darnold now dealing with an injury just two days before kickoff, it’s Seattle that could be feeling the squeeze. One more day of rest and rehab might have made all the difference.
That said, Darnold downplayed the concern when speaking to reporters after practice, saying there’s close to a “0%” chance he misses the game. That’s a bold statement, and one that Seahawks fans will be clinging to - but it’s still a situation worth monitoring closely as kickoff approaches.
On the other side of the field, the 49ers are dealing with injury issues of their own - and they’re not minor. Defensive anchors Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are out, as are offensive weapons George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. That’s a significant amount of star power sidelined, and it could dramatically shift the dynamics of this matchup.
The good news for San Francisco? Quarterback Brock Purdy is healthy.
He’s worked his way back from a turf toe injury earlier in the season and is expected to be under center Saturday night. With so many key pieces missing, Purdy’s ability to keep the offense on track will be critical.
If Seattle can find a way to win - with or without Darnold - they’ll move on to face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Caleb Williams-led Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship. For USC fans, that’s an intriguing matchup no matter how it shakes out.
But first, the Seahawks have to get through Saturday night. And whether that’s with Darnold at the helm or Lock stepping in under the bright lights, the margin for error is razor-thin.