Total Pro Sports
Seattle got concerning news just hours before kickoff. The Seahawks still expect Sam Darnold to start Saturday night against the 49ers, but his status remains uncertain.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Darnold has not thrown a pass since he hurt his oblique on Thursday. Seattle thinks he will play, but there is no guarantee. Because of that, the team has been preparing for both possibilities as the game nears.
Schefter shared the update on Saturday morning. “Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since he hurt his oblique Thursday,” Schefter said. “The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start tonight’s game vs. the 49ers.” He added that Drew Lock handled practice reps and stands ready if needed.
Darnold sounded relaxed when he spoke this week. He said he felt the injury during a light throwing session and decided not to push it.
“I felt a little something,” Darnold said. “Just didn’t want to push it, wasn’t the day to push it. So that was it. Just came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.” He left practice and focused on rehab. He expects to play. “Probably closer to zero,” he said when asked about the chance he might sit.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since he hurt his oblique Thursday. The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start tonight’s game vs. the 49ers. Backup QB Drew Lock took the reps the past two days and is ready if needed. pic.twitter.com/ICznfipJJC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 17, 2026
Seattle listed him as questionable and limited his work in practice. Drew Lock took most of the reps over the past two days. Rookie Jalen Milroe is the third quarterback.
Both Darnold and coach Mike Macdonald said the team is staying calm. Darnold said the week feels normal and praised the team’s leadership and focus.
The game still means a lot. Seattle earned the NFC’s top seed after beating San Francisco in Week 18 and finished 14-3. Darnold matched that record from last season in Minnesota and made another Pro Bowl.
This season, he completed nearly 68 percent of his passes for just over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, though he also led the league in turnovers. Saturday will be his second career playoff start.
The atmosphere should be loud. Lumen Field will host its first full playoff crowd since 2017. Darnold said the noise will help.
“Being able to use cadence is going to be huge,” he said. “Having our 12s there making noise is crucial.”
Seattle will monitor him closely until the game starts. The team feels confident, but some uncertainty remains.
