Lock is poised to remain the backup QB behind Sam Darnold (oblique) after the latter was deemed active for Saturday's divisional-round game against the 49ers, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports. Darnold's status for Seattle's postseason opener came into question after he made an early exit from Thursday's practice due to an oblique injury. Both Darnold and coach Mike Macdonald remained confident that the quarterback would be able to suit up, but in the meantime Lock was getting the first-team reps, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Now that Darnold is active and Jalen Milroe is inactive as the emergency third quarterback, Lock will settle back into his normal role.
The Seahawks expect that Sam Darnold (oblique) will start in Saturday's NFC divisional-round tilt against the 49ers, but Lock has been taking reps with the first-team offense the last two days and would be ready to play if the former were to be sidelined, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Darnold has not thrown a football since undergoing treatment for an oblique injury during Thursday's practice. Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism Friday that Darnold would be available for Saturday's game, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. That said, Lock -- who has not started in a game since Week 18 of the 2024 season as a member of the Giants -- would take the helm if Darnold were to be ruled out or injured during the contest.
Lock completed 12 of 22 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Thursday's 23-23 preseason tie against the Raiders. He added three rushing attempts for four yards. Lock got the start Thursday and played the entire first half with Seattle resting new starting quarterback Sam Darnold. The veteran backup bounced back from an interception on the opening drive to lead a touchdown drive on the next possession. Lock added a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tory Horton in the second quarter. Rookie third-round pick Jalen Milroe played the entire second half but finished with only 61 passing yards. Milroe is viewed as a raw prospect and seems to be behind Lock in the battle for the second spot on the depth chart, though avoiding turnovers will nonetheless be a point of emphasis for Lock in the team's second preseason game against the Chiefs on Aug. 15.