Sam Darnold is throwing footballs mean. He bounced the ball off the indoor turf like a basketball.
The Seahawks quarterback was wearing a T-shirt and sweats as he followed the NFC West division champions through a light walking drill Friday at Lumen Field, the day before they face the San Francisco 49ers in a divisional playoff game, and there’s no telling how he’ll perform in the game.
advertise
It’s almost as uncertain as what his coach said after Darnold Friday afternoon, a day after the Pro Bowl quarterback injured his left oblique on the non-throwing side while throwing a pass without a defender during Thursday’s practice.
“We still have him listed as questionable. He’s very optimistic about being able to play,” coach Mike McDonald said.
“Right now we’re reviewing all the protocols — one of which is just out of an abundance of caution to make sure we’re ready to go.
“We will test it (before kick-off at 5pm on Saturday) and then make a final decision.”
Quarterback Sam Darnold warms up to begin practice at Virginia Mason Sports Center in Renton on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, two days before he and his Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional playoff game at Lumen Field.
(Greg Bell/The News Tribune)
Veteran backup Drew Lock completed practice Thursday, while Darnold paused to enter the team facility for treatment as soon as he felt ill.
advertise
Lock, a 29-year-old former Denver Broncos starter who was signed back by the team before this season, has played in 38 games in a scheduled five-game schedule, serving as a sweeper. During that span, Darnold led Seattle (14-3) to its most regular-season wins in franchise history.
“We’re optimistic about his game again,” McDonald said of Darnold.
“If he doesn’t do it — or at some point he doesn’t do it — then Drew is ready. That’s why Drew is here. He does a great job.”
The News Tribune asked coach Darnold if he threw the ball during a brief drill on Friday.
The coach didn’t answer.
“Yeah, it’s a drill rhythm. He just … it’s part of our plan right now and how we handle it today,” McDonald said.
“He said he felt better.”
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) walks off the field after the team won 38-37 in overtime on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Lumen Field.