The Seahawks might be getting Sam Darnold back just in time for a matchup that already looks rough for Washington.
Darnold, who signed a three-year deal with Seattle in 2025 after a breakout 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, left the Seahawks’ season opener against the New England Patriots on the fifth play with what first looked like a major injury. The diagnosis was later softened to a glute injury, and he’s expected to miss only a few weeks instead of something far worse.
That timeline may be turning in Seattle’s favor. On Sunday, the Seahawks host the 0-2 Washington Commanders, and there’s a real chance Darnold is back in some form.
Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said Monday, via Brady Henderson of ESPN, “Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we’ll go from there,” Macdonald said on Monday, via Brady Henderson of ESPN. “How much, we’ll see from here to Wednesday on what that number is.
But right now, that’s the goal.”
Henderson also reported that Macdonald said on a Seattle radio station that “there is a chance” Darnold plays against the Commanders.
Seattle has held up well with Drew Lock running the offense, but getting Darnold back would raise the ceiling immediately. And the Commanders know exactly how ugly that can get.
Last season in Washington, Darnold didn’t even throw an incompletion until the third quarter. By then, he had already piled up four touchdown passes and eventually finished 21 of 24 for 330 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in Seattle’s 38-14 win.
Washington is already coming off a rough defensive showing against the Cowboys in Week 2. If Darnold is cleared to go, the Commanders could be staring at another long afternoon.
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For Washington, the issue is not just who is on the field, but how many players can get enough practice time to be ready for Seattle. Several other Commanders are still working through various injuries and have been tagged as limited or full participants, leaving the team with more questions than answers as it tries to steady the lineup before Sunday. [Read more 🡒]