NFL: Seahawks QB Darnold expecting to play in divisional round despite injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold expects to be available for Saturday’s divisional round playoff clash against the San Francisco 49ers despite being listed as questionable with an oblique injury.

The issue surfaced during practice on Thursday when Darnold felt discomfort on his left side while throwing during a routes-on-air session. He left the field as a precaution and was later listed as a limited participant.

“Just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold said. “Wasn’t the day to push it. So that was it. Just came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”

Asked how concerned he was about missing the game, Darnold downplayed the risk.

“Very low percentage,” he said. “Probably closer to zero.”

The Seahawks have no other major injury concerns heading into the weekend. Tight end Elijah Arroyo, linebacker Chazz Surratt and tackle Josh Jones have been ruled out, while left tackle Charles Cross and safety Coby Bryant are set to return after missing recent games.

Veteran Drew Lock will serve as Darnold’s backup, with rookie Jalen Milroe listed as the third quarterback.

Darnold said he has not previously dealt with an oblique injury but is confident treatment over the next few days will leave him ready.

“We’ll attack it the next couple days and be ready to go for Saturday,” he said.

Signed by Seattle in March after the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Darnold is preparing for just the second playoff start of his eight-year NFL career. He echoed head coach Mike Macdonald’s message about maintaining focus rather than getting swept up in postseason excitement.

“We’re treating it as just another week, another game,” Darnold said. “We’ve got such great guys in that locker room, mature leaders at every position group. Everyone’s just ready to go, attacking the week as usual and getting ready to go up against a really good 49ers team.”

Seattle secured the NFC West title and the conference’s top seed with a Week 18 victory over San Francisco at Levi’s Stadium, finishing the regular season 14-3.

Darnold posted the same record last season with the Minnesota Vikings, earning his first Pro Bowl selection, and followed it up with another Pro Bowl campaign this year after throwing for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 67.7% of his passes.

The Seahawks will now welcome the 49ers to Lumen Field, marking the first playoff game at the stadium with fans in attendance since January 2017.

“Being able to use cadence is going to be huge, and then having our 12s there making noise when they’re on offense is crucial,” Darnold said. “It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere and something we’re all looking forward to.

“We know Lumen’s going to be rocking. It’s an important game. We understand the implications. But we’re treating this week as another week and we’re excited about it.”