Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold exited early in the Week 1 opener against the New England Patriots, but it seems he could return sometime very soon.
On Wednesday, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald gave a big update on Darnold’s status.
Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald told reporters that QB Sam Darnold will practice today, and will ramp up as the practice week goes along.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2026
As far as whether or not Darnold will be ready for Week 3, Macdonald said they hoped to have a decision by Friday.
Mike Macdonald said QB Sam Darnold (glute) won't take every rep in practice today and that they'll ramp him up as the week goes on. He said they'd like to have a decision by Friday on whether or not he's playing Sunday at Washington.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) September 23, 2026
Darnold left the game after just three minutes in the opener, although the Seahawks still managed to win the game with Drew Lock at QB. The Seahawks also won in Week 2 in a 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The good news was that Darnold did not suffer a fractured hip, which means he avoided an IR stint and a long-term absence.
Seattle faces the Washington Commanders on the road in Week 3, and they are without their star QB, Jayden Daniels, after he suffered a dislocated elbow in Week 2.














