NFL

Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold Eyes Sunday Return Against Commanders

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 25, 2026, 04:14 IST

After missing two games due to a glute injury, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has returned to practice and is aiming to start in Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold Eyes Sunday Return Against Commanders

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is working toward a return to the starting lineup this Sunday as the team prepares to face the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland. After being sidelined for the majority of the first two games of the season due to a glute injury, the signal-caller returned to practice on a limited basis this Wednesday.

The injury occurred during the opening series of the season, forcing Darnold to leave the game after just five plays. The situation was initially alarming enough that the quarterback feared for his career, leading to a mid-game transport to Harborview Medical Center for a CT scan. While the results ultimately provided relief, the experience of spending the night in a trauma center offered the quarterback a significant shift in perspective regarding his professional life and health.

Recovery and Backup Success

Darnold has described his recovery as a daily progression, noting that while he experienced some residual soreness during his return to the practice field, he felt generally positive about his physical state. Head coach Mike Macdonald indicated that the quarterback's recovery timeline has improved significantly, with a final decision on his availability for Sunday expected by the end of the week. For his part, Darnold emphasized that his primary focus is regaining the mental confidence to play without hesitation, particularly regarding his ability to move and slide during live action.

In Darnold's absence, backup quarterback Drew Lock has performed effectively, guiding the team to a 2-0 start. Lock has maintained a high level of efficiency, completing nearly 73 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and zero interceptions across his appearances. His performance included a notable Total QBR of 88.8 during a 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, placing him among the league's top-performing quarterbacks through the first two weeks. Darnold expressed his support for his teammate's success, stating that the organization was not surprised by the high level of play Lock displayed while stepping into the starting role.

As the Seahawks look ahead to their upcoming road game, the coaching staff plans to gradually increase Darnold's workload throughout the remainder of the practice week. The team remains optimistic about his progress, with Macdonald confirming that the quarterback is currently on a positive track to potentially reclaim his position under center.