As part of his recovery, Darnold returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since the injury occurred. Macdonald indicated that the team plans to manage his workload carefully throughout the week, gradually increasing his participation rather than thrusting him into a full slate of repetitions immediately. The coaching staff expects to finalize a decision on his status by the end of the week to ensure clarity heading into the weekend.
Managing the Quarterback Situation
While Darnold works toward his return, backup quarterback
Lock’s recent form has been particularly impressive, highlighted by an 88.8 Total QBR in last Sunday’s 31-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals—the third-best mark of his career. Currently, Lock holds a Total QBR of 85.8, placing him fourth among all NFL quarterbacks through the first two weeks. When asked if Lock’s strong play might influence the team's caution regarding Darnold, Macdonald emphasized that the primary factor remains whether the starter feels physically capable of playing, rather than the team's current record.
Roster Updates and Defensive Depth
Beyond the quarterback situation, the Seahawks are adjusting their roster depth. Safety Nick Emmanwori is expected to see a significantly increased workload this weekend after making his season debut with nine snaps in Week 2. Emmanwori had been recovering from July ankle surgery and a recent hip issue, but the team is prepared to integrate him more fully into the defensive rotation.
In other personnel news, the Seahawks placed right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve on Wednesday due to knee and hip injuries, though Macdonald stated the move is not expected to result in a long-term absence. To bolster the secondary, the team signed safety Rodney Thomas II from the practice squad. Thomas had previously started the first two games of the season while Ty Okada was sidelined with a hamstring injury.
