In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has provided a crucial update on quarterback Sam Darnold’s health following his recent oblique injury. Fans held their breath after Darnold was listed as questionable leading up to the NFC Divisional Round playoff game, but the veteran signal-caller not only started but also delivered a gritty performance in Seattle’s dominant 41-6 rout of the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.
During his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports on Monday morning, Macdonald addressed Darnold’s status head-on. “To my knowledge, he’s good,” Macdonald stated confidently. “He didn’t make it worse or anything, but I’m sure he’s sore. … It’s something that we’re gonna have to navigate the rest of the week.” This revelation comes as a massive relief to Seahawks supporters, especially with the high-stakes NFC Championship Game looming against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Darnold’s resilience was on full display against the 49ers. Despite injuring his oblique during last Thursday’s practice, he played into the fourth quarter, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The highlight of his outing was a pinpoint 4-yard TD pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, where Darnold rolled left on a play-action fake and threaded the needle into the back of the end zone. His ability to perform under duress has only amplified his tough-guy reputation within the locker room.
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Macdonald couldn’t hide his admiration for Darnold’s determination. “You could tell by his disposition after practice that he was like, there’s no way I’m not playing in this game,” the coach recounted. “… We had all the trust in the world, just seeing him and knowing that he’s gonna go through it and play. I mean, you could tell he was ready to go.” He emphasized the severity of the injury for a quarterback, noting, “And for a thrower, that is not a great injury to have. Like, I’m sure he’s feeling it, but never wavered, never blinked. Just stone-cold. So he’s tough as nails, man, and I think the guys recognize that. We knew it, and he confirmed it again.”
However, the Seahawks’ victory wasn’t without its costs. Running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury during the game, adding another layer of concern to Seattle’s injury report. With Charbonnet sidelined, the team will need to rely on depth in the backfield as they prepare for the Rams, who boast a formidable defense.
As the Seahawks gear up for what could be a defining moment in their season, all eyes will be on Darnold’s recovery. Macdonald’s update suggests optimism, but the team will monitor him closely throughout the week. If Darnold can shake off the soreness and maintain his form, Seattle’s offense could prove unstoppable in the NFC Championship. Stay tuned for more developments as the Seahawks chase Super Bowl glory!