Sam Darnold injury update: Positive news emerges regarding Seahawks QB's oblique

Sam Darnold said he felt good going into Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback dealt with an oblique injury going into last week’s Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers.

What was seen as a concerning issue last week is no longer a worry going into what could be Seattle’s penultimate game of the year. After the Seahawks dominance with defense, special teams and a stout run game, the return of Darnold’s near-full health will be welcome against LA.

Like last week, this will be the third meeting of the year between these two squads. Darnold and the Seahawks split meetings with the Rams, with both teams winning at home during the regular season.

“I feel really good,” Darnold said Friday, via ESPN. “Feeling really good this whole week. I feel like the process is going right along where it should be, so I feel really good for Sunday … The guys in the training room do a really good job with everybody, myself included. We’re just taking it day by day and making sure I do all the things I need to do to get ready for Sunday.”

In the 41-6 win over the 49ers last week, Darnold was just 12-of-17 for 124 yards and one touchdown. The run game dominated as Kenneth Walker ran 19 times for 116 yards and three touchdowns.

Not only will the entire Seahawks squad need to fire off on all cylinders, so will the fans. It’s the first NFC Championship Game for Seattle since the 2014 season, a home win over the Green Bay Packers.

“It’s going to be incredible,” Darnold said of the atmosphere. “I don’t know how you top last week, but I’m sure the 12s will. They always bring it for us, so we’re excited for them.”

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.

Kickoff between the Seahawks and Rams is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on FOX.