Seahawks Share Sam Darnold Update After Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 8:15 PM ET

Sam Darnold played through an oblique injury in the Seattle Seahawks’ 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback led Seattle to a victory with 12-of-17 completed passes for 124 yards and one touchdown.

Darnold’s injury, however, is carrying over to the next round of the NFL playoffs. The Seahawks are preparing for the conference championship game on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and Darnold's oblique issue has persisted.

The 28-year-old QB was limited in the team’s first practice session on Wednesday. The Seahawks then announced that Darnold was limited again for Thursday’s practice.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) leaves the field after the win against the Washington Commanders.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

On Monday, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that Darnold will be day-to-day throughout the week. Macdonald spoke to reporters on Thursday and revealed that Darnold is feeling better now than he did going into the 49ers game.

Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson of ESPN spoke to Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on Thursday. Kubiak provided an optimistic update on their QB1 ahead of Sunday’s game against the Rams.

“He looks like Sam. He looks healthy to me,” Kubiak said, adding that Darnold has exhibited “his grit and toughness” amid his injury.

Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak on Sam Darnold, who was limited again today as he continues to manage his oblique injury: “He looks like Sam. He looks healthy to me.”

Kubiak said Darnold is showing “his grit and his toughness,” adding: “That’s nothing that we haven’t already known.” pic.twitter.com/7Rzvrj2mFM
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 23, 2026

Right now, all signs are pointing to Darnold suiting up for the conference championship game. He will not be one hundred percent, but it does not sound like the former No. 3 overall pick will let this issue prevent him from playing in arguably the biggest game of his career thus far.

The Seahawks, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, have home-field advantage for Sunday’s matchup. They will host Matthew Stafford and the Rams at Lumen Field, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

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

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