Sam Darnold injury update: Concerning issue pops up for Seahawks QB days before playoff game vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was listed on Thursday’s injury report with an oblique injury. He is officially questionable for Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round home contest against the San Francisco 49ers.

It looks to be a new injury for Darnold, who wasn’t anywhere to be found on the injury report before Thursday. Seattle still has some time, albeit not much, to see if Darnold will be available for Saturday’s game. If he can’t go, Drew Lock will presumably get the start under center with Jalen Milroe serving as the backup. As of now, Darnold plans to play.

“Just routes on air, kind of felt a little something in my oblique,” Darnold told reporters. “Just didn’t want to push it, wasn’t the day to push it. So, that was it. Came inside, got some rehab and feel like I’ll be ready to go Saturday.

Darnold started all 17 games for the Seahawks this season, his first with the club after signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract this past offseason. The 28-year-old put together another productive campaign, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 67.7% passing. He created an instant connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards. Darnold was named to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season.

All that being said, Seattle’s offense wasn’t as crisp down the stretch, though they continued to add to the win column. Seattle finished 14-3, clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Sam Darnold, Seahawks set for rematch vs. 49ers

By the time toe meets leather Saturday, it will have been 14 days since the Seahawks last played. It came against these 49ers, a game in which decided the division championship, and the top seed in the conference. The Seahawks took care of business thanks to a dominant effort from their defense. They limited the 49ers to just three points and 173 total yards.

It will be interesting to see if the time off affects Seattle. However, it’s San Francisco up against it on paper. For starters, the 49ers played this past Sunday across the country in Philadelphia. It’s just a six-day break for San Francisco, which is dealing with several key injuries on both its offense and defense.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t interested in excuses. His focus is having everyone ready to roll in a hostile environment on Saturday.

“Once you get to the playoffs, it really doesn’t matter. Everyone’s into it,” Shanahan said. “So, whether they gave us three days, one day, eight days, you always have your preferences for common sense reasons, but whenever you get dealt your hand, you’re ready to roll.”