Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is making progress with his oblique injury but will have limited throwing capacity this week. The team prepares for the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams scheduled for Sunday.
Injury Update on Sam Darnold
Head coach Mike Macdonald stated that Darnold is “continuing to get better.” However, he confirmed that Darnold won’t be a full participant in practice this week. “We have a plan; we’re going to work through it and take it day by day,” Macdonald said.
Darnold, who sustained his injury during practice, played through pain in the previous game against the San Francisco 49ers. In that matchup, he completed 12 of 17 passes, totaling 124 yards along with one touchdown and no turnovers. Darnold exited the game with over nine minutes left, as the Seahawks secured a decisive 41-6 victory.
Injury Report Highlights
On Wednesday, the Seahawks listed Darnold as a limited participant. The injury report revealed additional concerns regarding the team’s offensive line:
- Charles Cross: Starting left tackle; listed with a foot injury that kept him out of practice.
- Josh Jones: Did not participate due to knee and ankle injuries.
- Amari Kight: Rookie left tackle; now listed with a knee injury.
Cross had previously missed the last three regular-season games due to a hamstring injury. His condition remains a significant concern as he signed a substantial four-year contract worth $104.4 million.
Seahawks’ Rushing Attack Impacted
The Seahawks also face challenges with their running game. Zach Charbonnet is sidelined for the playoffs due to a severe knee injury suffered against the 49ers. He will require surgery and leave a gap in the team’s rushing strategy.
In Charbonnet’s absence, Kenneth Walker III will likely shoulder the majority of the workload. George Holani has been designated to return to practice after spending time on injured reserve since Week 12 due to a hamstring injury. Macdonald confirmed Holani’s readiness for the upcoming game, stating he is in “great shape” and has been working hard in practice.
Upcoming Game Against the Rams
As the Seahawks prepare to host the Rams, they hold a 2.5-point favorite position in the NFC Championship Game. This will be the third encounter between these teams this season. Seattle lost the first matchup 21-19 in November, where a missed last-second field goal proved costly. However, they bounced back to win 38-37 in an overtime thriller in Week 16.
“We have a really good team with solid players and a strong defense. We are excited about this opportunity,” Darnold said. He emphasized the need for focused practice this week while continuing to manage his recovery from the oblique injury.
