Overview
- Darnold, who left the season opener five plays in, was diagnosed after scans with a soft‑tissue glute injury not involving the hip joint, a change that shortened his expected absence.
- He progressed from a limited practice on Wednesday to a full practice on Thursday and was removed from the Seahawks’ injury report on Friday, giving the team a green light to start him Sunday.
- Coach Mike Macdonald said the decision was medical and hinged on whether Darnold “feels good enough to play,” with Darnold himself stressing he must trust his body to take off and slide without worrying about the area.
- Backup Drew Lock, who filled in for Darnold, completed 35 of 48 passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns over two games and will move back to a reserve role with Darnold’s return.
- Darnold’s return restores the Seahawks’ proven starter who led the club to a Super Bowl title and a 4,048‑yard passing season in 2025, though the team will monitor his play and any lingering mental or physical effects closely.