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The Seattle Seahawks are ready to enter their NFC Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with a big question mark: star quarterback Sam Darnold’s health.
Darnold said he felt something in his oblique while throwing passes during Thursday’s practice and stopped throwing. The 28-year-old hasn’t thrown a football since, and the Seahawks believe — but don’t know — he will be ready to start Saturday’s game, according to ESPN.
Backup quarterback Drew Lock took Darnold’s spot and received first-team reps the last two days and will start if Darnold can’t go.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on December 28, 2025. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
“I didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said Thursday. “Wasn’t the day to push it. It was. Got right in, got some rehab. Feel like I’m ready to go for Saturday.”
Darnold said it was the first time he’s dealt with a concussion issue and that he would get treatment on it leading into the game. He was still sure he wanted to play.
When asked about his chances of sitting out, Darnold said, “Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero.”
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland, on Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Darnold has been fantastic for the Seahawks in his first season with the team, leading them to a 14-3 record, an NFC West Division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In 17 games, Darnold has completed 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection.
If Darnold can’t play against the 49ers, it would be a huge blow. Lock has appeared in five games this season and has thrown just three passes.
Lock started five games for the New York Giants last season, going 1-4 with a 59.1% completion percentage and throwing for 1,071 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He has started 28 games in his career going 10-18.
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“Drew has been really impressive through OTAs and training camp and in his role,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. “High confidence in Drew. Brought him here for a reason.”
The top-seeded Seahawks play the No. 6-seeded 49ers at 8:00 PM ET on Saturday.
