NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) takes the field prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is back at practice as he works toward a potential return against the Washington Commanders in Week 3.
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Darnold suffered a glute injury on the fifth play of Seattle’s season opener against the New England Patriots. He missed the Seahawks’ Week 2 win over the Arizona Cardinals but has progressed faster than initially expected.
Sam Darnold injury update
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Wednesday that Darnold will practice but will not take every rep. The Seahawks plan to increase his workload throughout the week as they evaluate his recovery.
The team wants to make a decision before the weekend on whether Darnold or Drew Lock will start against Washington. Macdonald said the decision will come down to whether Darnold feels ready to play.
Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald told reporters that QB Sam Darnold will practice today, and will ramp up as the practice week goes along.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2026
Darnold’s return would come after Drew Lock helped Seattle open the season 2-0. Lock has thrown for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions while starting the last two games.
Seahawks face quarterback decision
NFL: Seattle Seahawks Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Lock played particularly well in Sunday’s 31-7 win over Arizona, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. All three touchdown passes went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Still, Macdonald has made clear that Darnold remains the Seahawks’ starter when healthy. The quarterback led Seattle to the Super Bowl last season after throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Darnold’s practice workload over the next few days should provide a clearer picture of whether he can return against the Commanders. Seattle has until Sunday to determine whether its starting quarterback is ready to play.