Macdonald shares update on Seahawks QB Sam Darnold’s status

After injuring his oblique in last Thursday’s practice and being listed as questionable, quarterback Sam Darnold started and played into the fourth quarter of the Seattle Seahawks’ 41-6 NFC Divisional Round playoff rout of the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night.

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On Monday morning, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was asked about Darnold’s status during his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports.

“To my knowledge, he’s good,” Macdonald said. “He didn’t make it worse or anything, but I’m sure he’s sore. … It’s something that we’re gonna have to navigate the rest of the week.”

Darnold completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions – including a 4-yard TD pass where he rolled to his left on a play-action and threw a strike to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the back of the end zone.

Made it look too easy 😮‍💨 @jaxon_smith1

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/hfw5IACmjH

— xz* – Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 18, 2026

“You could tell by his disposition after practice that he was like, there’s no way I’m not playing in this game,” Macdonald said. “… We had all the trust in the world, just seeing him and knowing that he’s gonna go through it and play. I mean, you could tell he was ready to go.

“And for a thrower, that is not a great injury to have. Like, I’m sure he’s feeling it, but never wavered, never blinked. Just stone-cold. So he’s tough as nails, man, and I think the guys recognize that. We knew it, and he confirmed it again.”

The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the NFC Championship.

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