The Seattle Seahawks can breathe a big sigh of relief as their star quarterback, Sam Darnold, reports feeling 'really good' and fully prepared for the upcoming NFC Championship game. But here’s where it gets interesting—despite a recent injury that had everyone concerned, Darnold's resilience and effort to stay on the field demonstrate his determination and the team's confidence in him. This game is not just about talent; it’s about grit, recovery, and leadership, even in the face of physical setbacks.
Brady Henderson, an NFL reporter covering the Seahawks for ESPN since 2017, shares that Darnold, who earned a Pro Bowl distinction earlier this season, has been practicing with some limitations but kept a positive outlook. Over the course of the week, he participated in practice three days straight, gradually ramping up his readiness for Sunday’s high-stakes clash against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field.
Darnold suffered an oblique injury to his left side during a practice session last Thursday. Despite the discomfort, he chose to play during the divisional round two days later, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. His willingness to play through the injury was vital for the Seahawks’ 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, although he was eventually replaced by Drew Lock with nine minutes remaining in the game.
Head coach Mike Macdonald reassured fans that Darnold’s throwing would be limited this week as part of ongoing injury management. He noted that everything has been progressing smoothly and that Darnold is improving day by day. The quarterback is also highlighting the importance of a meticulous, step-by-step approach to recovery, emphasizing the team’s support in their medical and training staff.
On the offensive line, Charles Cross is expected to protect Darnold’s blindside. Despite missing the first two practices due to a foot injury sustained in the previous game, Cross practiced fully on Friday and received no game participation designation, signaling his readiness for Sunday. Meanwhile, backup left tackle Josh Jones faces some uncertainty, being listed as questionable because of knee and ankle injuries; he did practice fully on Friday after limited participation earlier in the week. Other absences include linebacker Chazz Surratt, who remains out with an ankle injury, and fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is questionable due to a neck issue.
In terms of roster changes, Seattle placed running back Zach Charbonnet on injured reserve following a season-ending knee injury. They also added rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo and running back George Holani back onto the active roster after recovering from injury reserves. Coach Macdonald was tight-lipped about which running back will step into the role behind Kenneth Walker III, but options include Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr. on the practice squad.
Darnold spoke highly of George Holani, expressing confidence in his readiness and ability to contribute, noting Holani’s impressive pre-season performances and smart football IQ. Despite injury setbacks, the players remain optimistic about their chances in this critical game.
The Seahawks, who had previously secured playoff wins at home dating back to 2005—except for an empty stadium during the 2020 COVID season—are anticipating a roaring crowd this weekend. Their recent matchups with the Rams have been highly competitive, with each team winning one game in their season series. Interestingly, in the last meeting at Lumen Field, Seattle pulled off a narrow 38-37 overtime victory.
Seattle’s history of playoff success at home is impressive, with 11 wins out of 12 games played since 2005, underscoring how much their home crowd and environment can boost team performance. Darnold is excited about the atmosphere this Sunday, saying, 'It’s going to be incredible.' He added that although last week’s game was tough to top, he’s confident that the fans, known as the 12s, will bring their usual electrifying energy.
But here’s the question—do you believe Darnold is truly back to his best, or could his injury still be a factor in how he performs this critical game? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss whether resilience or injury concerns will define the outcome of this NFC showdown!
