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The Seattle Seahawks revealed quite a late injury scare just two days before the team takes on the San Francisco 49ers. Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold is listed as questionable for the divisional round playoff matchup against the Niners.
The quarterback revealed that he sustained an oblique injury during the Thursday, January 15, 2026, practice. Darnold attempted to downplay any concerns about the injury, emphasizing that he plans to play against San Francisco.
It still calls into question who the Seahawks would start if Darnold is unable to play against the 49ers. Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe are the additional quarterbacks on Seattle’s roster.
Here’s what you need to know regarding how Darnold’s injury could impact the Seahawks against the 49ers.
During Darnold’s absence, Lock took reps with the starting offense during the Thursday, January 15, practice and all signs point to the veteran getting the start in the unlikely event that Darnold does not play against the Niners.
Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak indicated that Lock would be next in line at quarterback behind Darnold. Lock is listed as the team’s backup quarterback on the official depth chart.
“Yeah, Drew’s been really impressive throughout OTAs and training camp and in his role,” Kubiak told reporters on January 15. “Started a lot of football games, 28 games in the league. So a lot of confidence in Drew. (We) brought him here for a reason.”
Milroe is also on the roster but has only appeared in three games during his rookie season. The playmaker has mostly been utilized in rushing situations.
In a worst-case scenario, Lock is expected to get the nod over Milroe if Darnold sustains a setback. Earlier this season, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald discussed the team’s special packages for Milroe.
“Macdonald said they have more plays in gameplans for Milroe but either haven’t needed them or haven’t gotten to them,” ESPN’s Brady Henderson noted in an October 8, message on X.
“He said they’ll ‘continue to work it and gameplan for it and call it,’ and proceed based on how the games play out, ‘but he’s still very much part of our plans.’”
The Seahawks have been fortunate as Darnold has been healthy throughout the season. This also presents a challenge as Lock has seen limited action in 2025.
Lock made five appearances this season but attempted just three passes in 2025. Macdonald has spoken glowingly about Lock since his return to Seattle.
“Drew is doing a great job,” Macdonald said of Lock back in August, per 12th Man Rising. “Really great quarterback. We love him. I love having him around. Really great guy and so great for our football team.”
The bigger question is not just if Darnold will suit up against the 49ers but whether the Pro Bowler will be able to maintain his high standard of play. This question is unlikely to get answered until the Seahawks take on the 49ers in front of the 12s on Saturday night.
