Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been cleared to play in the critical NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, despite sustaining an oblique injury during practice. While Darnold insists his chance of missing the game is “close to zero,” his questionable status and the nature of the injury have raised concerns about his effectiveness and the overall impact on the top-seeded Seahawks’ championship aspirations.
Story Highlights
- Sam Darnold sustained an oblique injury during practice but is cleared to play.
- The Seahawks face the 49ers in a critical playoff game with Darnold’s status uncertain.
- Darnold’s clearance maintains the Seahawks’ full offensive capability.
- Professionals express concern over Darnold’s injury impacting his performance.
Darnold’s Injury Raises Concern
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who sustained an oblique injury during Thursday’s practice, has been cleared to play in the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. This development comes after he was listed as questionable, raising concerns about the impact of the injury on his performance. Despite the injury scare, Darnold expressed confidence, stating there was “close to zero percent” chance he would miss the game.
Sam Darnold is on the field warming up. These are his first throws since tweaking his oblique on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/vfeEF9YsRD
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 18, 2026
Seahawks’ Playoff Stakes
The Seahawks, holding the No. 1 seed, aim to capitalize on their playoff position against the 49ers. This game marks a historic first as these two teams meet in the playoffs after facing each other in both the first and last weeks of the regular season. With Darnold active, Seattle maintains its offensive strategy, although the quarterback’s mobility might be compromised due to the injury.
Although Darnold is expected to play, his oblique injury—a concern for quarterbacks due to the torquing motion required in throwing—could influence his effectiveness on the field. The Seahawks’ success in this game is pivotal, not only for advancing in the playoffs but also for solidifying Darnold’s role as a franchise quarterback.
Impact on the Seahawks and Darnold’s Legacy
The outcome of this playoff game holds significant weight for the Seahawks’ championship aspirations and Darnold’s career trajectory. A strong performance could solidify his standing as a leading quarterback, while another playoff stumble might raise questions about his postseason reliability. Moreover, the team’s management of Darnold’s injury could set a precedent for handling pivotal player injuries during critical games.
For fans and analysts, the game is more than just a matchup—it’s a narrative of redemption and validation. The Seahawks have not secured a playoff victory since 2019, and the pressure is on to break that streak with Darnold at the helm.
Watch the report: Sam Darnold Postgame Press Conference – Seahawks vs. Saints Week 3
Sources:
- Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Oblique Active for Divisional Round Game vs 49ers
- Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Active for Playoff Game vs 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks Inactives: Sam Darnold Active, 5 Rookies Inactive vs 49ers NFL Playoffs
