Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold remains the central figure in the team’s postseason storyline as the 2026 NFL playoffs continue. Entering the divisional round, Darnold is dealing with a left oblique injury but is officially active and expected to start, giving Seattle its veteran leader under center in one of the most critical games of the season.
The Seahawks built their 2025 campaign around stability at quarterback, and Darnold delivered. His performance helped Seattle secure the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage, placing the franchise in prime position for a deep playoff run.
Sam Darnold’s 2025 Regular Season Performance
Darnold completed one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2025. He finished the regular season with:
- 4,048 passing yards
- 25 touchdown passes
- 14 interceptions
- A passer rating above 95
- A second straight Pro Bowl selection
His command of the offense allowed Seattle to finish with a 14-3 record and first place in the NFC. The Seahawks leaned on a balanced attack, but Darnold’s ability to push the ball downfield and manage pressure situations proved decisive in several late-game wins.
The veteran quarterback showed improved pocket awareness and decision-making, limiting turnovers during key stretches of the schedule. His chemistry with the receiving corps grew each week, particularly on third down and in red-zone situations.
Current Injury Status and Game Availability
Darnold suffered a left oblique strain late in the week during practice. The injury limited his throwing workload and placed him on the final injury report as questionable. Despite the setback, he was cleared for game action after completing treatment and light throwing sessions.
Medical staff continue to monitor his rotation strength and core stability, two areas essential for velocity and accuracy. While he may not be operating at 100 percent, the coaching staff believes he can execute the full game plan.
Seattle has prepared contingency options, but the expectation is that Darnold will take the opening snap and remain the primary quarterback unless his condition worsens during play.
Seahawks Quarterback Depth Chart
Seattle’s quarterback room entering the divisional round is structured as follows:
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Starting QB | Sam Darnold |
| Backup QB | Drew Lock |
| Emergency QB | Jalen Milroe |
Drew Lock has taken extensive first-team practice reps during the week as insurance. He brings starting experience and familiarity with the system, making him the immediate replacement if needed.
Jalen Milroe, the rookie third-round pick, is designated as the emergency quarterback. His role is developmental, and he would only enter the game in an extreme scenario.
How Darnold Fits Seattle’s Offensive Identity
The Seahawks’ offense in 2025 emphasized timing routes, play-action concepts, and quick decision-making. Darnold’s strengths align well with this structure.
Key elements of his role include:
- Pre-snap recognition of coverage
- Quick release on short and intermediate throws
- Play-action efficiency on early downs
- Red-zone accuracy on fade and seam routes
His experience allows him to adjust protections and exploit defensive mismatches, a skill that becomes critical in playoff environments where blitz frequency increases.
Leadership and Locker Room Influence
Beyond statistics, Darnold’s value to Seattle lies in leadership. Teammates consistently credit his calm demeanor and preparation habits. He has started games in multiple systems across his career, giving him perspective in high-pressure moments.
In late-season divisional matchups, he orchestrated several game-winning drives, showing patience and composure under heavy pass rush. Those traits carry even greater importance in postseason play, where one possession often decides the outcome.
Playoff Implications for the Seahawks
Seattle’s path to the NFC Championship hinges largely on quarterback health and execution. With the offense designed around timing and rhythm, any limitation in Darnold’s throwing motion could influence play-calling.
Expect the coaching staff to:
- Emphasize quick passes early
- Increase run-pass balance
- Utilize rollouts selectively to manage pressure
- Protect the quarterback with extra blockers in long-yardage situations
If Darnold remains effective, Seattle retains its full offensive playbook and the ability to attack all areas of the field.
Contract and Future Outlook
Darnold’s 2025 performance has strengthened his standing within the organization. Entering the final stages of his current contract, his postseason play will factor heavily into long-term planning.
A strong playoff run could position him as the clear long-term starter, while also influencing offseason roster decisions and draft strategy. Seattle values continuity at quarterback, and Darnold’s resurgence has provided that stability.
What to Watch During the Game
Key indicators of Darnold’s health and effectiveness will include:
- Ball velocity on deep throws
- Willingness to step into pressure
- Frequency of designed rollouts
- Accuracy on third-down conversions
Early drives will reveal how comfortable he feels rotating his torso and driving the ball outside the numbers.
The performance of the Seattle Seahawks QB in this playoff stretch could define the franchise’s season and shape its future at the most important position in football.
Stay locked in for every snap and share your thoughts on how Darnold’s playoff performance could shape Seattle’s championship hopes.
