Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Nearing Return From Glute Injury, Status Uncertain for Week 3
Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Darnold is expected back at practice this week, but his availability for Sunday's game against the Commanders is still up in the air.
Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald announced Monday that quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to return to practice this week, though his availability for the team's upcoming game against the Washington Commanders remains uncertain.
Darnold suffered a glute injury during the opening series of the Seahawks' season opener against the New England Patriots. Following his injury, Drew Lock took over at quarterback and has since started the subsequent two games, including Seattle's 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
"Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we’ll go from there," Macdonald said of Darnold's practice status. "How much? We’ll see from here to Wednesday what that number is, but right now that’s the goal."
Lock has performed capably in Darnold's absence. Against the Cardinals, he completed 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. In the season opener against the Patriots, Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown. He has not committed a turnover in either game.
Macdonald noted that the transition to Lock has been smooth, highlighting the backup quarterback's consistent preparation and performance. "I didn’t sense much difference in the attitude or the emotion of the team last week, which is a tremendous compliment to Drew," Macdonald stated. "The things he’s been able to do, day-in and day-out, the types of practices and type of football he’s played out on the practice field throughout training camp, throughout his opportunities in the preseason, I sense a lot of confidence in what he brings to the table."
Macdonald acknowledged that Darnold's uncertain status adds a different dynamic to the team's preparation for Week 3. "Obviously, this week is a little bit different with Sam’s situation being a little more up in the air going throughout the week," he said. "So this is a little different approach in terms of our process about how we’ll handle our preparation throughout the week."