Seahawks Announce Sam Darnold Development on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 6:02 PM ET

Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks secured a spot in Super Bowl LX after taking down Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. Now, the Seahawks will turn their focus to the big game, eyeing the franchise's second title as they face Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

Darnold has bounced around the NFL since joining the league in 2018, playing for four different franchises before signing a three-year deal with Seattle last offseason. And in his first year with the Seahawks, Darnold has impressed, completing 37-of-53 passes for 470 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions through two playoff games.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks to the media during Opening Night for Super Bowl LX© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Darnold has been relatively healthy throughout the 2025 season, playing in all 17 regular-season games and both playoff contests. However, throughout the playoffs, including the entire week leading up to the NFC Championship Game, the former USC quarterback has been limited in practice due to an oblique injury.

While the issue has kept Darnold limited leading up to the Super Bowl matchup with the Patriots, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald does not seem too concerned about the injury, revealing that Darnold has been gradually increasing his practice participation by the day.

“It’s definitely gradually increasing by the day," Macdonald said of Darnold's recovery. "Some days more than the others. But he’s in a great spot.”

Mike Macdonald on Sam Darnold’s oblique recovery: “It’s definitely gradually increasing by the day. Some days more than the others. But he’s in a great spot.”

Tbd how much Sam will do in practice today but Macdonald says Darnold’s confident. pic.twitter.com/kBiWnGDqFN
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) February 4, 2026

While Darnold appears to be good to go Sunday night, the status of several other Seattle players remains uncertain. Linebacker Chazz Surratt is questionable with an ankle injury, while tackle Amari Knight is doubtful due to a knee injury.

Darnold and the Seahawks will take on the Patriots on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California).

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

More must-reads: