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Sam Darnold Near Return as Seahawks Set Friday Decision for Week 3

Medical clearance paired with Darnold’s confidence in his repaired glute will decide the Week 3 starter, shaping Seattle’s game plan.

Overview

  • Darnold returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday and was upgraded during Thursday’s work, and head coach Mike Macdonald said the team will make a final call by Friday on whether he starts Sunday.
  • Team medical imaging earlier ruled out damage to Darnold’s hip joint and identified the issue as a muscular glute injury that the Seahawks have been monitoring with staged practice reps.
  • Macdonald has emphasized that Darnold will not take every rep immediately and that availability depends on whether the quarterback feels good enough to play without risking further injury.
  • Backup Drew Lock has started the past two games and helped Seattle to a 2-0 start, throwing for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions across those appearances, which gives the team latitude to be cautious.
  • The Seahawks regained multiple starters in recent practices but face short‑term depth questions after safety Julian Love missed practice with a calf issue and rookie running back Jadarian Price remained limited with a chest injury.