Overview
- Sam Darnold suffered a glute soft‑tissue injury five plays into Seattle’s season opener and missed the next game while the team obtained outside medical opinions and ruled out a fracture.
- Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that Darnold is expected to take part in practice this week and the staff will track his workload through Wednesday to decide his availability for Sunday’s game in Washington.
- Drew Lock relieved Darnold in the opener and then started the win over Arizona, producing a 35‑of‑48 start to the season for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no turnovers that has steadied the offense.
- Seattle’s defense dominated in the recent win, holding the Cardinals to 151 total yards, and the Seahawks face a Washington team likely without starter Jayden Daniels, factors that lower pressure to rush Darnold back.
- The club’s 12‑game winning streak, combined with Lock’s play and a favorable short‑term schedule, gives Seattle roster flexibility to prioritize Darnold’s full recovery over an immediate return.