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Seahawks Coach Hints at Darnold's Early Return

12:13 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald provided an update on quarterback Sam Darnold's injury status, hinting that Darnold may return to practice this week and could potentially play in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.

Darnold sustained a glute injury in the first series of Seattle's season opener against the New England Patriots, leading to speculation about his recovery timeline. Coach Macdonald noted that Darnold's return could happen as early as Week 3, though the Seahawks are taking it day by day.

In Darnold's absence, Drew Lock stepped in and led the Seahawks to a 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, throwing three touchdowns to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Macdonald praised Lock's performance, noting that the transition to Lock has been smooth and that the team's attitude and emotion remained consistent.

Macdonald emphasized that the Seahawks are being cautious with Darnold's recovery, stating, 'Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we’ll go from there.' He added, 'It’s possible he plays against the Commanders,' but the team is still evaluating how much practice time Darnold will get this week.

The Seahawks' nose tackle was ruled out with a concussion, adding another layer of injury concerns to the team. However, Macdonald noted that rookie running back Jadarian Price's chest injury was actually a shoulder issue, and X-rays came back negative.

While the worst-case scenario of a long-term injury for Darnold was avoided, the Seahawks are taking a cautious approach to his return. Macdonald said, 'He’s gonna do his work today, and then I think we’ll see Wednesday,' indicating that Wednesday's practice will be a key benchmark for Darnold's progress.

The Seahawks' ability to maintain their performance without Darnold has been a positive sign, with Lock demonstrating his capability to run the offense effectively. Macdonald highlighted Lock's consistency in training camp and preseason, noting that the team's confidence in him has grown.

As the Seahawks prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders, the focus remains on Darnold's recovery and potential return. The team's performance with Lock at the helm has provided a buffer, but the hope is for Darnold to rejoin the lineup soon.

Background

What's confirmed

• Darnold sustained a glute injury in the first series of Seattle's season opener against the New England Patriots, leading to speculation about his recovery timeline. Coach Macdonald noted that Darnold's return could happen as early as Week 3, though the Seahawks are taking it day by day.
• In Darnold's absence, Drew Lock stepped in and led the Seahawks to a 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, throwing three touchdowns to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Macdonald praised Lock's performance, noting that the transition to Lock has been smooth and that the team's attitude and emotion remained consistent.
• Macdonald emphasized that the Seahawks are being cautious with Darnold's recovery, stating, 'Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we’ll go from there.' He added, 'It’s possible he plays against the Commanders,' but the team is still evaluating how much practice time Darnold will get this week.
• The Seahawks' nose tackle was ruled out with a concussion, adding another layer of injury concerns to the team. However, Macdonald noted that rookie running back Jadarian Price's chest injury was actually a shoulder issue, and X-rays came back negative.
• While the worst-case scenario of a long-term injury for Darnold was avoided, the Seahawks are taking a cautious approach to his return. Macdonald said, 'He’s gonna do his work today, and then I think we’ll see Wednesday,' indicating that Wednesday's practice will be a key benchmark for Darnold's progress.
• The Seahawks' ability to maintain their performance without Darnold has been a positive sign, with Lock demonstrating his capability to run the offense effectively. Macdonald highlighted Lock's consistency in training camp and preseason, noting that the team's confidence in him has grown.
• As the Seahawks prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders, the focus remains on Darnold's recovery and potential return. The team's performance with Lock at the helm has provided a buffer, but the hope is for Darnold to rejoin the lineup soon.

What's still developing

• Signs are pointing to Darnold missing, at most, one more game for the Seahawks.
• The Seattle Seahawks didn’t miss a beat without their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold.
• More recent reports have been more optimistic, with Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers as the targeted return for Darnold.
• Based on Mike Macdonald’s comments following Sunday’s game, Darnold may be able to return to practice this week.
• I’m willing to bet that they’ll give Darnold one more week on the sidelines, even if he does get some practice reps in this week.
• Worst case scenario was avoided for the Seahawks on multiple fronts.
• "Obviously, this week is a little bit different with Sam’s situation being a little more up in the air going throughout the week," Macdonald said.
• "I didn’t sense much difference in the attitude or the emotion of the team last week, which is a tremendous compliment to Drew. The things he’s been able to do, day-in and day-out, the types of practices and type of football he’s played out on the practice field throughout training camp, throughout his opportunities in the preseason, I sense a lot of confidence in what he brings to the table," Macdonald said.
• The 29-year-old has mostly served as a backup since 2021 and saw little action last season as Darnold led Seattle to the Super Bowl title.
• Even in limited snaps, Seahawks’ Emmanwori makes ‘impact’ in return Below is a recap of what he said.. Macdonald said “there is a chance” quarterback Sam Darnold could return for Sunday’s Week 3 road matchup against the Washington Commanders.
• When Price exited in the second half of Seattle’s win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, it was announced as a chest injury.
• “Unfortunately he had a setback in practice, so we’re getting the returns on how well this weekend (went),” Macdonald said.

Sources

• Field Gullslink
• Fox Newslink
• Seattle Sportslink
• USA Todaylink
• bolavip.comlink
• Yardbarkerlink
• Seattletimeslink
• Fieldgullslink
• Thebigleadlink
• Thescorelink
• Warpbeatlink
• Whbllink
• 12Thmanrisinglink
• Newsweeklink
• WarpBeat — background on Seahawks QB Darnold Out for Week 2 Due to Glute Injury link
• SEAHAWKS NATION UPDATE — video link