The Seattle Seahawks have survived most of two games without starting quarterback Sam Darnold, and they might need to survive a third one too. Darnold has missed time with a glute injury and could return to practice in some form in the days before the Washington Commanders game, but even then, the team doesn't know if QB1 can play in Week 3.
The issue, according to head coach Mike Macdonald, isn't whether Darnold will face further injury to his glute, but simply managing the one he has. The pain is real, and if the quarterback is limited physically, then there is no reason to put him on the field.
That is especially true since backup Drew Lock has been playing so well, and he and the defense should be good enough to get a victory in Washington against a team that won't have its own starting quarterback. Jayden Daniels will miss Week 3 with a dislocated elbow that he suffered in Week 2.
Sam Darnold's status for Week 3 should be known by Friday for the Seattle Seahawks
The positive is that Darnold is back to practicing already. The reality is that the team can't know what kind of shape he is in until he practices for a couple of days. If QB1 isn't ruled out by Thursday, then that could be a positive sign that he is progressing well and could be ready for Sunday.
If there is any doubt, the Seattle Seahawks will likely hold Darnold out for a winnable game that Drew Lock should bring home. After all, the schedule that follows isn't any easier for Macdonald's team. Week 4 sees the Los Angeles Chargers visit Lumen Field, and while LA is off to a bad start, they are still capable of pulling out the win.
Following the Chargers will be the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chicago Bears. A healthy Darnold will be needed for all those games.
Would an available Sam Darnold give Seattle a better advantage against the Commanders than Lock? Maybe not, but not because Lock is as good as Darnold. The truth is that the Commanders with Jayden Daniels shouldn't be much of a threat. If Lock plays and plays as well as he did in Weeks 1 and 2, Seattle should have no issues.
Still, maybe it would be better for Darnold, who didn't play in the preseason because there was no reason to risk him getting injured, to get some time in against the Commanders before the schedule really heats up. Either way, if he is nearly fully healthy, he is going to play in Week 3.
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