Overview
- Darnold left the season opener with a glute soft‑tissue injury and has been undergoing tests and outside medical reviews while avoiding surgery and injured‑reserve placement.
- Coach Mike Macdonald said the plan is for Darnold to be on the field in some capacity this week and that the team will track how much he can handle through Wednesday.
- Backup Drew Lock replaced Darnold, has started the last two games and delivered turnover‑free passing that included a 19‑of‑26, 235‑yard, three‑touchdown performance.
- Seattle’s defense dominated the Cardinals, holding them to 151 total yards, which gives the coaching staff flexibility to be cautious with Darnold’s recovery.
- The immediate decision for the game at Washington will hinge on Darnold’s midweek reps, and the club is using practice workload rather than a preset timetable to determine short‑term availability.