Darnold to return, but Seahawks rule out 2 starters vs Commanders

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is set to return from injury to start Sunday’s Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders, head coach Mike Macdonald said Friday.

However, the Seahawks ruled out safeties Julian Love (calf) and Ty Okada (hamstring). They also listed nose tackle Brandon Pili (concussion, neck) as questionable.

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No other Seahawks carry game status designations, which means every other player on their 53-man roster is considered healthy enough to play. That includes rookie running back Jadarian Price (chest), who was limited in practice earlier this week after exiting Seattle’s Week 2 rout of the Arizona Cardinals. Price was a full participant Friday.

Darnold, who suffered a glute injury on the opening series of Seattle’s Week 1 win over the New England Patriots, returned to practice this week. He was limited Wednesday and a full participant Thursday and Friday.

“Sam’s gonna play and he’s ready to go,” Macdonald said. “He’s done a great job.”

Love, a standout in Seattle’s first two games, was a new addition to the injury report Thursday. Macdonald said Love’s calf “tightened up” in practice and he’s unsure how long the veteran safety will be out.

Okada will miss his third consecutive game to open the season.

With Love and Okada out, Rodney Thomas II and AJ Finley are set to fill in at the Seahawks’ two traditional safety spots. Seattle also has safeties D’Anthony Bell and Maxen Hook on its practice squad.

Thomas started the Seahawks’ first two games as a practice squad elevation. He was signed to the team’s 53-man roster earlier this week.

Finley, who missed last season with a torn ACL, has played 77 defensive snaps and 448 special teams snaps over three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Seahawks.

Bell made two fill-in starts for Seattle early last season when standout hybrid safety Nick Emmanwori was sidelined.

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