Sam Darnold Injury Update: Seahawks QB ‘Questionable’ But Expected to Play vs 49ers, Says Mike Macdonald

Sam Darnold injury update: Mike Macdonald boosts Seahawks hope vs 49ers

Seahawks’ Playoff Hopes Ride on Darnold’s Health

Just days before one of the most critical games in recent Seattle Seahawks history, quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a scare that sent shockwaves through the fanbase. During Thursday’s practice, Darnold sustained an oblique injury—raising immediate doubts about his availability for Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Yet, in a major boost to Seattle’s playoff aspirations, both Darnold and head coach Mike Macdonald have conveyed strong optimism that he will suit up and lead the offense. The official injury report lists him as “questionable,” but all signs point toward him playing—albeit possibly with limitations .

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What Happened During Practice?

According to team sources, Darnold experienced discomfort in his right side during a routine passing drill on Thursday. He was immediately pulled from practice and underwent evaluation by the Seahawks’ medical staff. While the team has not disclosed the exact grade of the oblique strain, the fact that he was able to participate in limited drills on Friday suggests it’s likely a mild (Grade 1) strain—a common but painful injury that affects core rotation and throwing mechanics .

Sam Darnold injury update: Severity and Game Impact

Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky for quarterbacks. They don’t just cause pain—they directly impair the ability to generate torque during a throw, which can reduce velocity, accuracy, and deep-ball effectiveness. For a Seahawks offense that relies on play-action and intermediate routes to move the chains, any limitation in Darnold’s throwing motion could be costly against San Francisco’s elite defense, led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner . However, if Darnold can manage the pain with injections or taping—and avoid re-aggravation—he may still operate at 80–90% capacity, which could be enough in a high-leverage game.

Mike Macdonald’s Confidence in His Quarterback

First-year head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t mince words when asked about Darnold’s status. “Sam’s a tough kid. He wants to play, and we expect him to play,” Macdonald told reporters after Friday’s walkthrough . This vote of confidence is significant. Macdonald, known for his analytical approach as Baltimore’s former defensive coordinator, isn’t prone to emotional declarations. His public backing suggests the coaching staff has seen enough in Darnold’s limited participation to believe he can execute the full offensive game plan—including bootlegs, rollouts, and deep shots to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Why Darnold’s Presence Is Crucial Against the 49ers

The Seahawks’ entire offensive identity this season has been built around Darnold’s resurgence. After years of inconsistency, he’s delivered career-best numbers: over 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 95.6 passer rating . More importantly, he’s mastered Macdonald’s West Coast-inspired scheme, which emphasizes timing, quick reads, and pre-snap adjustments. Backup Drew Lock, while experienced, lacks the same command of the playbook and has struggled with consistency in spot duty. Without Darnold, Seattle’s chances of upsetting the top-seeded 49ers—who defeated them twice in the regular season—drop dramatically.

Backup Plans: Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe Ready

That said, the Seahawks aren’t taking chances. Veteran Drew Lock has taken all first-team reps in case Darnold falters during warmups or aggravates the injury mid-game. Additionally, rookie sixth-round pick Jalen Milroe—the dynamic dual-threat QB from Alabama—has been elevated to the active roster as the emergency third option . While Milroe is unlikely to see meaningful snaps unless disaster strikes, his presence adds a wildcard element; his mobility could theoretically counter the 49ers’ pass rush in short-yardage situations.

Historical Context: Oblique Injuries in the NFL

History shows mixed results for QBs playing through oblique strains in the playoffs:

  • Tom Brady (2017 AFC Championship): Played through a similar injury, threw for 384 yards and 3 TDs in a win.
  • Aaron Rodgers (2017 Divisional Round): Aggravated his oblique early, struggled mightily in a loss to the 49ers.

The difference often lies in pain management and offensive design. If Macdonald simplifies the game plan—relying more on run-pass options and quick slants—Darnold’s risk of re-injury decreases significantly .

Conclusion: A Gametime Decision With Massive Stakes

While the Sam Darnold injury update remains fluid, the Seahawks’ message is clear: they’re preparing for him to start. His toughness, familiarity with the system, and late-season chemistry with Seattle’s receivers make him the best chance for an upset in Santa Clara. Fans should expect a gametime decision, but as of Friday evening, hope is high in the Pacific Northwest. One thing is certain: if Darnold takes the field on Saturday, he’ll be playing through pain for a shot at glory.

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