Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Receives Concerning News Before NFC Championship Game vs. Rams

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold could be significantly shorthanded when he takes the field for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Sam Darnold and the Seahawks were already dealt one massive injury blow after their Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers. Star running back Zach Charbonnet is done for the season with a knee injury, taking away Kenneth Walker III’s sidekick.

To make matters worse, there’s a chance that Seattle could be down three starting offensive linemen against the Rams.

On Thursday, the Seahawks announced that offensive tackles Charles Cross (foot), Amari Kight (knee) and Josh Jones (knee and ankle) did not participate in practice. If neither play, Sam Darnold could be down to fourth-stringer Mason Richman as one of his starting tackles.

.@Seahawks Thursday Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/akSgBQ5WBk

— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) January 23, 2026

Cross is one of Seattle’s starting tackles alongside Abraham Lucas. Jones had to replace Cross against the 49ers after the veteran left with a foot injury. Kight played two snaps on offense and five on special teams in the game, per Pro Football Reference.

Facing a prolific Rams pass rush led by Byron Young, Jared Verse and Kobie Turner, Darnold will need all the healthy bodies up front that he can get.

Sam Darnold’s Seahawks Split The Season Series With Rams

The Seahawks and Rams split their season series, with the home club winning each time. LA, of course, would have been the NFC’s top seed if it had defeated Seattle in Week 16 instead of imploding.

LA won at home back in Week 11, with Jason Myers missing a game-winning 61-yard field goal attempt. The Rams held a 30-14 lead in the fourth quarter of their second meeting. They blew it and lost 38-37 in overtime.

In his two games against LA, Sam Darnold threw for 549 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. Obviously, Seattle will need him to provide better ball security if they’re to reach the Super Bowl this year.