Sam Darnold Injury Update: Oblique Issue Puts Seahawks On Alert
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has become a central storyline as the NFL playoffs approach, with updated injury news circulating about an oblique injury that has landed him on the team’s injury report just days before a crucial NFC Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Darnold, who has been a standout for the Seahawks this season, suffered the oblique issue during a midweek practice, prompting a limited participation designation and a “questionable” status for Saturday’s game.
Let’s dive deeper into what this injury means, how it happened, Darnold’s own perspective, and how it could influence one of the most pivotal games of the Seahawks’ season.
What Happened: Oblique Injury Details
During Thursday’s practice in Renton, Washington, Darnold felt something in his left oblique while throwing routes and exited early, leading the Seahawks to list him questionable on the injury report.
An oblique injury — affecting the muscles on the side of the abdomen — is particularly concerning for quarterbacks because those muscles play a critical role in torso rotation, throwing power, and balance. Any strain or irritation in that region can potentially restrict movement or cause discomfort while throwing or absorbing hits.
While the team has labeled the incident as precautionary, Darnold’s practice reduction underscores the seriousness of managing such an injury during a playoff week.
Timing couldn’t be more critical
With the Seahawks hosting the 49ers this Saturday, January 17, 2026, Darnold’s sudden appearance on the injury report has dominated Seahawks’ headlines.
The situation is particularly notable because:
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The injury was not previously reported earlier in the week.
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The Seahawks are the No. 1 seed in the NFC and aiming for home-field advantage deep into January.
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Backup QB Drew Lock received first-team reps in practice due to Darnold’s limited participation.
Darnold’s Reaction: “Very Low Percentage” of Missing Game
Despite the setback, Sam Darnold remained confident in his post-practice comments, emphasizing that the likelihood of him sitting out remains extremely low — “probably closer to zero percent.”
Darnold explained that he felt some discomfort while throwing but chose to step out rather than push through pain that could worsen the condition. He also noted that this is the first time he’s dealt with an oblique issue in his NFL career.
His calm demeanor — punctuated by statements like “it’s fun” when discussing setbacks — suggests a mindset geared toward confidence rather than concern.
Season Context: Darnold’s Breakout Year
This season has been one of the most successful of Darnold’s NFL career:
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He threw for 4,048 yards,
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Recorded 25 touchdowns,
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Had 14 interceptions, and
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Earned a Pro Bowl nod in his first year with the Seahawks.
Darnold’s performance helped Seattle secure a 14–3 record and the NFC’s top seed — a strong platform heading into the postseason.
Seahawks’ QB Depth Chart: Who’s Next?
With Darnold listed as questionable, the Seahawks are preparing contingency plans:
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Drew Lock: Veteran backup who took first-team reps in place of Darnold at practice.
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Jalen Milroe: Rookie who has also been seen working with the starters and offers youth and athletic upside.
With both names in the conversation, Seattle’s coaching staff is expected to finalize their approach based on how Darnold responds to treatment and practice leading into game day.
Projected Game Impact
An oblique injury can influence a quarterback in several ways:
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Throwing Mechanics: Any torquing motion can cause discomfort.
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Mobility: Movement out of the pocket could be limited.
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Absorbing Hits: Core strength affects stability during physical contact.
If Darnold plays — as he expects to — his effectiveness might depend on how the Seahawks manage his reps and how aggressively the 49ers attack the Seattle offensive line.
49ers’ Perspective: Unfazed
Reports indicate that the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff isn’t overly worried about Darnold’s status, choosing instead to focus on their own preparation.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reportedly downplayed the impact of Darnold’s questionable tag, signaling confidence that San Francisco can execute its game plan regardless.
This attitude may reflect respect for their defense, a belief that quarterbacks often play through discomfort, or confidence in their own offensive strength.
Impact on Seahawks’ Playoff Game
As game day approaches, two scenarios emerge:
Scenario 1: Darnold Plays
If Darnold suits up and manages the oblique pain with treatment, Seattle’s offense retains its leadership continuity. The team can stick to its usual game scripts and take advantage of Darnold’s familiarity with the playbook.
Scenario 2: Darnold Doesn’t Go
In the unlikely event Darnold is ruled out, Seattle would pivot to Lock as the starter, with Milroe as the backup. Such a shift could reshape Seattle’s offensive game plan, leaning more conservative or tailored to Lock’s strengths.
Historical Oblique Injuries in NFL
Oblique injuries are not uncommon in the NFL, particularly for players involved in frequent high-effort rotational movements — such as quarterbacks and hitters. In previous seasons, several key starters have dealt with similar strains, often requiring days to weeks of recovery, but rarely long-term absence unless aggravated.
What Experts Recommend
Sports health professionals typically advise:
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Immediate rest and avoidance of aggravation
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Targeted rehab exercises to restore strength
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Gradual return to full throwing progressions
Given that the Seahawks are in a playoff environment, managing the injury while maximizing performance is a delicate balance.
Latest Headlines Around the Injury
Stay on top of updates with these breaking developments:
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Sam Darnold listed questionable for divisional round with oblique injury.
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Darnold plans to play, describing the percentage of missing the game as near zero.
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49ers remain unfazed by Darnold’s injury report status.
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Backup plans see Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe preparing for potential action.
Fan Reactions & Community Buzz
Fans across social media have mixed reactions — ranging from confident expectations that Darnold will play through discomfort to concern about how the injury might affect his performance under pressure. Some suggest Seattle will aggressively manage the injury with medical intervention and pain management.
FAQs – Sam Darnold Injury
1. What injury did Sam Darnold suffer?
Sam Darnold sustained a left oblique strain during Thursday’s practice, causing him to miss full practice and be listed as questionable for the playoff game.
2. Will this injury keep Sam Darnold out of the Seahawks’ playoff game?
As of now, Darnold expects to play. He described the chance of missing the game as very low, closer to “zero percent.”
3. Why is an oblique injury serious for a quarterback?
Oblique muscles are essential for torso rotation and generating throwing power. Even a minor strain can impact accuracy, velocity, and mobility.
4. Who would replace Darnold if he couldn’t play?
Backup quarterback Drew Lock would likely take over, with rookie Jalen Milroe backing him up.
5. Does this injury affect Seattle’s playoff chances?
The impact depends on Darnold’s ability to play at full strength. A limited Darnold could lead Seattle to adjust strategy, while a healthy return keeps their offensive rhythm intact.
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