Darnold's Status Uncertain for Seahawks-Commanders Despite Practice Return

Darnold's Status Uncertain for Seahawks-Commanders Despite Practice Return

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Monday he expects quarterback Sam Darnold to practice this week, though his availability for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders remains undecided. Darnold has been sidelined since injuring his glute on the opening series of the season opener.

"Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we'll go from there," Macdonald said. "How much? We'll see from here to Wednesday what that number is, but right now that's the goal." The team had not determined by Monday how much practice work Darnold would get before facing Washington. "Obviously, this week is a little bit different with Sam's situation being a little more up in the air going throughout the week," Macdonald said. "So this is a little different approach in terms of our process about how we'll handle our preparation throughout the week." xi jinping divorce rumors 2026 or 2025 or 2024

Backup Drew Lock has started both games in Darnold's absence and has yet to commit a turnover. He led Seattle to a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots in the opener after replacing Darnold, then started Sunday's 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, all to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In the opener, Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown, also to Smith-Njigba. Lock, 29, has mostly worked as a backup since 2021 and played sparingly last season as Darnold led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl title. Darnold earned Pro Bowl selections in both 2024 and 2025.

Macdonald credited Lock for a seamless transition under center. "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 said. "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." Seattle's coaching staff will monitor Darnold's practice reps through Wednesday before deciding who starts against Washington.