Sam Darnold returns for Seahawks as secondary faces injury crisis

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is set to return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s clash against the Washington Commanders. The signal-caller, who missed the majority of the team's first two games after sustaining a glute injury during the season opener against the New England Patriots, has been cleared to play following a week of full participation in practice.

Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the return on Friday, noting that Darnold looked sharp throughout his preparation. The quarterback admitted that the initial injury sparked fears regarding his season and long-term career prospects, but his recovery has progressed significantly faster than anticipated. Macdonald described the swift return as a medical miracle, emphasizing that the team is confident in his readiness to lead the offense.

In their absence, the Seahawks will turn to depth options to anchor the defensive backfield. Rodney Thomas II is slated to make his third consecutive start in place of Okada. Meanwhile, AJ Finley is set to earn his first NFL start, stepping in for Love. Finley, who joined the team off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers in late 2024, is returning to action after missing the entirety of last season due to an ACL tear sustained during training camp.

Coach Macdonald expressed confidence in the replacements, highlighting Finley’s resilience and his impressive performance during training camp. Additionally, Nick Emmanwori is expected to see an increased workload after returning from ankle surgery, providing further support in the secondary. On the offensive side, rookie running back Jadarian Price has been cleared for action following a chest and shoulder issue, while Zach Charbonnet remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list for at least another two games.