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Sam Darnold Makes Statement After Seahawks' Injury Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 5:28 PM ET

Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for their divisional round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. This will be the Seahawks’ first game in the playoffs after securing a first-round bye. Seattle finished the season as the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 14-3 record.

The Seahawks’ success in the regular season was thanks in large part to Darnold’s outstanding campaign. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in free agency, and he has proven that he’s worth every penny of that big-money deal.

In 17 games played this season, the 28-year-old has registered 323-of-477 completed passes (67.7%) for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 95 rushing yards on 35 carries.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Darnold, however, was involved in a concerning development on Thursday. The former USC Trojans star was added to the injury report with an oblique injury. The Seahawks announced that he is officially questionable to play on Saturday against the 49ers.

Darnold spoke to reporters after practice to address the injury. The Seahawks star explained that he felt something in his side as he threw the ball. However, when asked if there was a chance he would miss the divisional round game, Darnold responded defiantly.

“Very low percentage. Closer to zero," he said, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Darnold was not listed on the injury report for all three practice sessions this week. This confirms that the oblique issue is a new injury.

The fact that the Seahawks listed him as questionable to play is a cause for concern. However, Darnold himself has played down the issue, saying he fully intends to suit up on Saturday against San Francisco.

As the No. 1 seed, the Seahawks will have home-field advantage in the divisional round. They will host the 49ers at Lumen Field, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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