After a strong season that saw the Seattle Seahawks finish with more wins than every other NFC team, they earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye for the playoffs. That means they have had the advantage of taking a week off to prepare for their next opponent, the San Francisco 49ers.
It also means they’ve had an extra week to recover from any ailing injuries players are undoubtedly dealing with after playing 17 regular season games. Unfortunately, a week away may not be enough time for one of the Seahawks’ most important Pro Bowl players.
On Thursday, when the Seahawks’ injury report came out, it revealed that Sam Darnold is dealing with an oblique injury. He’s officially questionable for Saturday’s playoff game.
Though, Darnold doesn’t believe it’s an injury that will prevent him from making the second playoff start of his career.
“Just in routes on air, just kind of felt a little something in my oblique, just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said, via Curtis Crabtree of Fox 13 Seattle. “So, just came inside, got some rehab. And, you know, feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
If Darnold can’t go, it means backup QB Drew Lock will make his first start of the season. The last time Lock started came on Jan. 5, as a member of the New York Giants. Lock completed 22-of-29 passes for 138 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Giants lost 20-13 to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lock, 29, has also appeared in five games for the Seahawks this season, but he’s only completed 2-of-3 passes for 15 yards. While Darnold’s injury comes as a surprise, the Seahawks have been trying to prepare by having Lock handle first-team reps in practice on Thursday.
The hope is that Darnold will still be able to start, and he was able to jog in practice on Thursday, giving some signs of optimism for Saturday’s game.
Sam Darnold is now questionable to play for #Seahawks Saturday night vs the 49ers. New oblique issue, using a Theragun on his side and cheerily saying “nothing to see here.” @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/kcRyCcPGdo
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 15, 2026
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