The NFL playoff landscape is heating up as teams vie for advancement in the divisional round, and for the Seattle Seahawks, the focus is sharply fixed on the health of their starting quarterback. With Sam Darnold listed as questionable due to an oblique injury ahead of their critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the spotlight inevitably shifts to his backup, Drew Lock.
Seahawks QB Situation: Lock Ready in the Wings
Sam Darnold, who has shouldered the starting duties for all 17 games this season, is battling an injury that raises significant questions for Seattle's offensive strategy. While Darnold expressed optimism to reporters on Thursday about his ability to take the field Saturday night, the severity of an oblique issue often requires careful management, especially in a high-stakes playoff environment.
Head Coach Mike Macdonald echoed that confidence on Friday, suggesting Darnold is tracking toward playing. However, the reality behind the scenes is that preparation cannot wait for final declarations. According to reports, Darnold has yet to throw a pass since sustaining the injury, a clear indicator of necessary caution.
Drew Lock’s Crucial Preparation
This uncertainty elevates the role of Drew Lock. The backup quarterback has reportedly taken significant practice reps this week, ensuring he is fully prepared to step in should Darnold be ruled out or limited. Lock’s workload in practice suggests the coaching staff is treating the possibility of his activation as a very real scenario. In the NFL, especially during the postseason, having a backup QB who can command the offense effectively is the ultimate insurance policy.
For Lock, this moment represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate his value and command over the Seahawks' system. His performance in relief—or as a surprise starter—could be the defining factor in whether Seattle advances past a tough divisional opponent like the 49ers.
Broader NFL Injury Landscape Ahead of Divisional Round
The Seahawks’ situation is just one thread in a complex tapestry of injury news sweeping across the league as the playoffs intensify. Every team is navigating the fine line between maximizing player availability and preventing long-term damage.
Key Updates Across the League
On the opposing side of the Saturday night matchup, the San Francisco 49ers face their own challenges. Star linebacker Fred Warner remains sidelined, having not been activated from injured reserve following his Week 6 ankle dislocation. While the 49ers are holding out hope for his return should they reach the NFC Championship game, his absence in the immediate contest is notable.
Elsewhere, the New England Patriots are slated to welcome back cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has cleared concussion protocol. Conversely, the Houston Texans will be without wide receiver Nico Collins, who remains in concussion protocol for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
The Buffalo Bills appear to be relatively healthy, with quarterback Josh Allen practicing fully despite minor ailments. However, the Bills still have several players listed as questionable, including key defensive and special teams contributors like Terrel Bernard and Damar Hamlin.
Analyzing the Divisional Round Injury Report
The divisional round is notorious for testing team depth, and the injury reports released provide a clear roadmap of vulnerabilities:
- Bills vs. Broncos: Buffalo manages multiple questionable tags, while Denver is notably missing tight end Lucas Krull and linebacker Drew Sanders.
- 49ers vs. Seahawks: Beyond the Darnold question, Seattle is managing several injuries along the offensive and defensive lines, while the 49ers have several players questionable, including wide receivers Jacob Cowing and Ricky Pearsall.
- Texans vs. Patriots: The absence of Nico Collins is a major blow for Houston, while New England manages a few questionable tags, including linebacker Harold Landry.
- Rams vs. Bears: The Rams welcome back starting guard Kevin Dotson after an ankle injury, while the Bears list several key players, including Rome Odunze, as questionable.
For Seattle, the preparation for the 49ers must proceed under the assumption that Drew Lock might be called upon at any moment. His ability to manage the game, protect the ball, and execute timely throws will be paramount if Sam Darnold cannot give the definitive green light. As the league enters this critical weekend, every practice snap and every medical update carries playoff weight.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely Saturday night to see who takes the field under center for the Seahawks, knowing that the transition to Drew Lock, if necessary, represents a significant shift in the team's offensive identity for the remainder of their postseason journey.
