Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been ruled out of Sunday's Week 9 game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a quad injury, head coach Mike Macdonald announced Wednesday. Backup quarterback Drew Lock is expected to start in Darnold's place, with Jalen Milroe serving as the backup.
Macdonald indicated that while Lock has been recovering from an elbow injury, he is cleared to throw. However, his throwing volume will be managed throughout the week. "He’s able to throw," Macdonald said. "How much, we’re working through that right now. That’s the best way to put it. He’s going to throw the ball throughout the week, but we’re just going to manage it. He’s not going to take 8,000 throws."
Darnold's injury, sustained on the second play of the Seahawks' recent loss to the Chicago Bears, also resulted in a cracked rib. Despite the injuries, Darnold is not expected to be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for four games.
This will be Lock's second start of the season, and coincidentally, his second against the Cardinals. He previously started against Arizona on September 20, leading the Seahawks to a 31-7 victory with 235 passing yards and three touchdowns.