NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The Seattle Seahawks are set to enter their NFC Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers with a major question mark: the health of star quarterback Sam Darnold.
Darnold said he felt something in his oblique while throwing passes during practice Thursday and stopped throwing. The 28-year-old hasn’t thrown a ball since, and the Seahawks believe — but don’t know — he will be ready to start in Saturday’s game, according to ESPN.
Backup quarterback Drew Lock took Darnold’s place and received first-team reps the past two days and will start if Darnold can’t go.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on December 28, 2025. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
“I didn’t want to push things,” Darnold said Thursday. “It wasn’t the day to push things. That was it. I just got in, did some rehab. I feel like I’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
Darnold said it was the first time he had dealt with an oblique issue and he would receive treatment before the game. He remained confident in his ability to play.
Asked about his chances of sitting out, Darnold said: “Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero.”
FOX SUPER 6 CONTEST: CHRIS ‘THE BEAR’ FALLICA’S NFL DIVISION ROUND PREDICTIONS
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland on November 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Darnold was terrific for the Seahawks in his first season with the team, leading them to a 14-3 record, an NFC West division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In 17 games, Darnold completed 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection.
If Darnold can’t play against the 49ers, it would be a big blow. Lock has appeared in five games this season, throwing just three passes.
Lock started five games for the New York Giants last season, going 1-4 with a 59.1% completion percentage and throwing for 1,071 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He started 28 games in his career, going 10-18.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
NFL fans can play FOX Super 6 and win cash prizes. (FOX Sports)
“Drew has been really impressive throughout OTAs, training camp and in his role,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. “A lot of confidence in Drew. I brought him here for a reason.”
The top-seeded Seahawks will face the No. 6 seed 49ers at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday.
