There is some doubt about the status of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold for Saturday’s divisional round playoff matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Darnold has been labeled as questionable after suffering an oblique injury while throwing during Thursday’s practice, and ESPN reported Saturday morning that he hasn’t thrown a football since. The team will evaluate Darnold pregame to see if he can play, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
“The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start,” ESPN reported.
Darnold said he felt some discomfort in his oblique on the left side and decided not to take any risks by continuing to throw during practice.
“Didn’t wanna push it,” he said Thursday. “Wasn’t the day to push it. That was it. Came inside, got some rehab, and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
Darnold said that there is a “very low percentage” that he isn’t on the field for Seattle’s first playoff game.
“Probably closer to zero,” he said with a slight smile.
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Darnold, 28, has been a big key to Seattle’s success this season under second-year coach Mike Macdonald. Following a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings last year, Darnold was named to his second straight Pro Bowl this season after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in helping lead the 14-3 Seahawks to the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the postseason.
Darnold split his two starts this season against the 49ers, throwing for less than 200 yards in both games and not throwing a touchdown pass. He didn’t throw any interceptions in those games either while completing 73.5% of his passes.
If Darnold isn’t able to play, the Seahawks would turn to Drew Lock, who received reps with Seattle’s first-team offense on Thursday and Friday. Lock, 29, is a former second-round pick who attempted just three passes during the regular season. He does have 28 career regular season starts under his belt that includes 13 starts in 2020, his second season with the Denver Broncos.
“Drew’s been really impressive throughout OTAs and training camp and in his role,” Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said following Thursday’s practice. “Started a lot of football games, 28 games in the league. Lot of confidence in Drew. Brought him here for a reason.”
While Lock will have to be ready, Darnold has made it clear that he fully expects to be on the field to make his second career postseason start.
