Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold is set to return for the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 3 road game against the Washington Commanders.
The quarterback is off Seattle’s final injury report, per Adam Schefter, after a glute injury forced him out early in the season opener against the Patriots and kept him out of last week’s win over the Cardinals. He missed just one game before working his way back.
🚨 Sam Darnold (glute) WILL play in the Seahawks’ Week 3 matchup vs the Commanders, per @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/7qxhkA3Wiz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 25, 2026
Darnold was limited when he returned to practice Wednesday, then participated fully Thursday. His clearance gives Seattle its Super Bowl-winning quarterback back after Drew Lock helped the team stay unbeaten in his absence. Lock filled in well, but coach Mike Macdonald had made clear that the starting job would be Darnold’s once he was ready.
The return comes as Washington prepares to start Marcus Mariota in place of the injured Jayden Daniels. That gives Sunday’s game a different quarterback matchup than either team expected entering the season. For Seattle, the priority will be getting Darnold comfortable again without asking him to do too much in his first game back.
Weather could shape that approach. Rain and heavy winds are forecast around the game in Landover, Maryland, including during part of Sunday afternoon, although conditions may change before kickoff. If it arrives, both teams could have to adjust how they throw and handle the ball. There is no basis yet to assume the game will be delayed or that either offense will abandon its passing game.
The biggest question Seattle carried into the week has been answered: Darnold is available. Now the Seahawks can focus on how their offense looks with him back under center.