Sam Darnold will reclaim Seattle’s starting quarterback job Sunday after the reigning Super Bowl champions cleared him to return from a glute injury for their matchup with the Washington Commanders.
Darnold cleared after missing Week 2
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that Darnold carries no injury designation for the game and will start against Washington. The quarterback returned to the practice field this week, progressing from limited work Wednesday to a full practice Thursday.
Darnold was hurt during Seattle’s opening-drive victory over the New England Patriots in Week 1. The issue was first thought to involve his hip, but it was later identified as a glute injury. He completed one of two passes for 13 yards before leaving the 13-10 win.
- Darnold was injured in Seattle’s season-opening win over New England.
- He missed the Week 2 victory against the Arizona Cardinals.
- He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday before participating fully Thursday.
- Macdonald confirmed Friday that Darnold will start and has no game-status designation.
Lock returns to backup role
Drew Lock stepped in for Darnold against Arizona and helped Seattle keep its early-season momentum. Lock threw three touchdown passes, with each score going to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
With Darnold healthy enough to resume his role, Lock moves back to the sideline after an effective one-game stretch as the starter.
Seattle turns back to its Pro Bowl quarterback
Sunday will mark Darnold’s first start since the brief Week 1 appearance. The 2026 season is his second in Seattle after a standout first year with the club.
In 2025, Darnold earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection and guided the Seahawks to a 14-3 regular-season record before their Super Bowl championship run. He completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Seattle now gets its starting quarterback back for the Commanders game after opening the year with consecutive wins despite the early injury setback.
