Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hurts oblique but plans to play Sat.
Jan 3, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after the game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images Sam Darnold expects to play in Saturday's divisional round playoff game after the quarterback of the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks injured his oblique at practice Thursday.
Darnold is officially listed as questionable on the team's injury report released about 48 hours before the game against the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers.
Asked what percent of him believes he may miss the game, Darnold said, "Very low percentage. Probably closer to zero."
Darnold hurt the left side of his oblique while throwing at practice. He tagged out early as a precaution and Seattle dubbed him a limited participant on the practice report.
"Just didn't want to push it," Darnold said. "Wasn't the day to push it. So that was it. Just came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I'll be ready to go for Saturday."
The Seahawks have Drew Lock and rookie Jalen Milroe behind Darnold on the depth chart.
Darnold, 28, went 14-3 as a starting quarterback for the second straight season, doing so for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 before signing with Seattle in free agency to replace Geno Smith.
Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions and earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod while helping Seattle outlast San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams in a highly competitive division race, allowing the Seahawks a first-round bye and home-field advantage against the Niners.
The Seahawks ruled out backup left tackle Josh Jones (knee), who missed practice all week, but no other player besides Jones and Darnold carry game designations into the weekend. No. 1 left tackle Charles Cross (hamstring, knee) is in line to play for the first time since Dec. 14.
--Field Level Media
Bengals Have No More Excuses Entering the 2026 NFL Season
MLB Player Props Today: Best Bets for Wednesday, July 22
Why the WNBA Won't Monetize Sophie Cunningham's Viral Point
What Prediction Markets Are Telling Us About NFL 2026 MVP
The Sacramento Kings Need to Blow It Up Before It's Too Late
- MLB Best Bets: Jacob Misiorowski, Dylan Cease Lead Monday's Top Picks
- Athletics vs. Diamondbacks Predictions: Best Bets, Odds and Props for Monday
- UFC Fight Night Best Betting Picks for Du Plessis vs. Usman in OKC
- France vs. England Best Bets: Three Picks for the World Cup Third-Place Match
- Dodgers vs. Yankees Friday July 17 Best Betting Picks and Props
- July 17 White Sox vs. Blue Jays Prediction, Odds and Best Bets
- Three MLB Futures Bets to Make After the All-Star Break

