Seahawks Face Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead Of 49ers Clash

The Seattle Seahawks are back in the NFL playoff spotlight, and the excitement couldn’t be higher in the Pacific Northwest. After finishing the 2025 regular season tied for the best record in the league and clinching the NFC’s top seed, the Seahawks are set to host the San Francisco 49ers in a high-stakes Divisional Round clash on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Lumen Field. Yet, the lead-up to kickoff has been dominated by a single burning question: Will star quarterback Sam Darnold be healthy enough to start?

Darnold, who powered the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and their first No. 1 seed since the Russell Wilson era, suffered a sudden oblique injury during Thursday’s practice. The incident immediately cast a shadow of uncertainty over Seattle’s playoff hopes. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Darnold has not thrown a football since sustaining the injury—raising eyebrows and blood pressure among Seahawks fans and coaches alike.

Despite the setback, optimism remains the word of the day in Seattle’s camp. Head coach Mike Macdonald, who has already turned heads with his impressive first year at the helm, addressed reporters on Friday with a mixture of caution and confidence. “We’re really optimistic he’s going to be able to play,” Macdonald said. “Right now we’re going through all the protocol, one, just out of caution to make sure we’re ready to go, and we’ll test it out tomorrow, kind of make the final decision. We’re optimistic he’s going to play. If he doesn’t or at some point he doesn’t, Drew [Lock] is ready to go. That’s why Drew is here. He’s doing a great job.”

For his part, Darnold echoed that confidence. Speaking after practice, he told reporters, “Kind of just felt a little something on that oblique, just didn’t want to push it. Wasn’t the day to push it so that was it. So I just came inside, got some rehab and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.” Darnold insisted there was a “close to zero percent” chance he would not suit up against the 49ers, a sentiment that has been music to the ears of Seahawks fans hoping for a deep postseason run.

Still, the reality of the situation remains fluid. The Seahawks’ medical staff planned to conduct further tests on Darnold Saturday morning, just hours before the 5 pm PT kickoff. While Darnold felt better on Friday than he did the previous day, the team is aware that pain management could become an issue. There’s even the possibility that a painkilling injection might be necessary—an option that carries its own set of risks, as NFL history has sometimes shown.

Should Darnold be unable to start or finish the game, the Seahawks will turn to backup quarterback Drew Lock. Lock, who has taken first-team reps in practice since the injury, is no stranger to the big stage. The 2019 second-round pick has appeared in five games this season and previously started for Seattle in 2023, including a memorable Monday Night Football victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Lock also started five games for the New York Giants in 2024 and hasn’t started a game since Week 18 of that season. While Lock’s experience is valuable, there’s little doubt that Darnold’s presence at quarterback gives Seattle the best chance to advance.

In a pinch, rookie Jalen Milroe stands as the Seahawks’ emergency third quarterback, but league rules mean he can only enter the game if both Darnold and Lock are unable to play. Macdonald praised Milroe’s preparation, noting, “He’s been our emergency third [quarterback] for a good bit, so he’s got to be ready to go if need be.”

Darnold’s journey to Seattle has been nothing short of eventful. The 28-year-old was originally a first-round pick of the New York Jets in 2018 before stints with the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings. After a strong showing with the Vikings in 2024, Darnold became the most sought-after quarterback in free agency, ultimately signing a lucrative three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks ahead of the 2025 season.

His inaugural campaign in Seattle has been impressive. Darnold started all 17 games, completing 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He also added 35 carries for 95 yards, showcasing a blend of poise and athleticism that has energized the Seahawks’ offense. This Divisional Round tilt marks Darnold’s second career playoff start and a shot at redemption after a disappointing wild-card performance with the Vikings the previous year.

The stakes for Saturday’s showdown couldn’t be higher. The winner will face either the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on January 25, with Lumen Field serving as the venue if Seattle advances. For the Seahawks, home-field advantage is a significant asset, especially given the notoriously raucous “12s” who fill the stands and make life miserable for opposing offenses.

But let’s not kid ourselves—Seattle’s playoff success may hinge on Darnold’s health. The team’s defense has been a force all season, but the offense runs most efficiently with Darnold at the controls. If he’s unable to go or is limited, Lock will need to step up in the biggest moment of his career. “That’s why Drew is here,” Macdonald reminded reporters. “He’s doing a great job.”

As kickoff approaches, all eyes are on the Seahawks’ quarterback situation. The team’s confidence is palpable, but so is the sense of urgency. Will Darnold’s oblique hold up under playoff pressure? Can Lock seize the day if called upon? And how will the 49ers respond to the uncertainty swirling around Seattle’s offense?

One thing is certain: the drama is far from over. With the NFC’s top seed and a shot at the Super Bowl on the line, the Seahawks and their fans are bracing for a night of high tension, big plays, and perhaps a few surprises. For now, the only guarantee is that playoff football in Seattle is never short on intrigue.

As Saturday’s game draws near, the Seahawks remain optimistic but vigilant. Whether it’s Darnold or Lock under center, the mission is clear—win and keep the Super Bowl dream alive. The next chapter in Seattle’s postseason journey is about to unfold, and the entire NFL world will be watching.