Anne M. Peterson
September 23, 2026 - 4:43 PM
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since he was injured in the team's season opener.
Coach Mike Macdonald said Darnold would not take every rep in practice but he’d be ramped up as the week goes on.
Darnold suffered a glute injury on the first series against the New England Patriots. Backup Drew Lock took over and helped the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory, then started in Sunday’s 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks visit the Washington Commanders next Sunday. Macdonald said he'd have a better idea of Darnold's status later this week.
“We’ll make a decision at some point before Friday’s over," the coach said. "I don’t think we’d go into the weekend not knowing if he’s going to play. It’s on a good track right now, assuming today goes well.”
In the opener, Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Against the Cardinals, Lock completed 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns — all to Smith-Njigba.
“If it was something where (Darnold) was at risk of getting worse over the normal risk you take by taking the field, that might be part of the conversation,” Macdonald said about whether he’d be more conservative with Darnold given Lock’s success. “It’s a function at this point of, ‘Does he feel good enough to play.’”
Darnold did not miss a game last season as he led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. He threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as Seattle won a franchise-record 14 regular-season games.
Macdonald also gave positive news about running back Jadarian Price, who left the game against the Cardinals in the second half with a chest injury. Price ran for 52 yards on 13 carries before he was injured. The X-rays were negative.
“He’ll practice this week," the coach said. "Today we’ll see what capacity it is, but he’ll be out there.”
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