Few expect Sam Darnold to miss Saturday night's Divisional Round playoff game when the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers. Still, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald stopped short of entirely ruling out the possibility that his starting quarterback could be sidelined—though he was optimistic about Darnold's availability.
Seattle listed Darnold as questionable on the final injury report of the week due to an oblique issue.
"Really optimistic he's going to be able to play, and right now, we're going through all the protocols, one, just out of caution, to make sure we're ready to go," Macdonald told reporters during his final media availability before the game. "We'll test it out tomorrow to kind of make the final decision.
"But again, we're optimistic he's going to play, and if he doesn't, or at some point he doesn't, then Drew's (QB Drew Lock) ready to go, and that's why Drew's here. He's done a great job."
Coach Mike Macdonald says #Seahawks are very optimistic Sam Darnold will start tomorrow night vs 49ers as he continues getting treatments for his oblique injury—but if he can't play that's why veteran Drew Lock is here as the backup. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/btPlYoQIv4
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 16, 2026
Darnold experienced discomfort early in Thursday's practice and stepped aside as a precaution. With Darnold sidelined, Drew Lock took the majority of the first-team practice snaps.
"In routes on air, just kind of felt a little something in my oblique," Darnold said. "Just didn't want to push it. It wasn't the day to push it. So, that was it. So, just came inside, got some rehab, and feel like I'll be ready to go for Saturday."
When asked about the chances of not playing against the 49ers, Darnold expressed strong confidence.
"Very low percentage," Darnold said. "Probably closer to zero."
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