On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers will face their toughest challenge of the 2025 campaign, as they’ll go on the road to face the division rival Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field as underdogs (+7) in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
Ahead of what could be an epic clash between these two NFC heavyweights, news broke that Seahawks quarterback and former backup to Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, is questionable to play in this playoff game due to an oblique injury. This was a shocking development that could potentially change how this game is played and how the shorthanded 49ers defense attacks the Seahawks offense on Saturday in Seattle.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Reacts to Sam Darnold Injury
GettySam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks
Obviously, Darnold potentially not being under center on Saturday in Seattle changes things for both teams, even though the veteran quarterback has been adamant about playing against his former team in this postseason showdown.
Shanahan spoke to the media on Thursday and was asked whether Darnold’s status changes how the 49ers will prepare for this road game.
“No, not at all,” Shanahan said. “We wouldn’t change anything in the next couple days. I didn’t know that, but I’m definitely not going to think too much of it. But, if that happens, we’ll react accordingly, which would still be the same football game.”
If Darnold can’t play, the Seahawks will turn to veteran backup Drew Lock to shoulder the load.
With the 49ers fresh off losing another star player, veteran tight end George Kittle, to a torn Achilles during Wild Card Weekend, Shanahan talked about the team playing with desperation and whether that will be the case against the Seahawks.
“I feel that’s kind of our message every week. I feel like that’s kind of what’s gotten us here. I was more about that I think our advantage in the season is we play desperate every game. I feel like that’s what gives us an advantage over most teams that we play against. My message last week was more that’s not an advantage in the playoffs. Every team plays desperate in the playoffs. So be ready for that and understand that when you’re going against people.”
There’s no question the 49ers will have their work cut out for them, even if Darnold isn’t 100 percent during Saturday’s game in Seattle.
49ers’ Fred Warner Trending Toward Return in NFC Championship Game
GettyFred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers
Unfortunately for the 49ers’ defense, superstar linebacker Fred Warner won’t be making his return to the field to take on the field, as he has been ruled out, according to Shanahan.
“Injuries for the game,” Shanahan announced. “[S] Ji’Ayir Brown will be out. [WR] Ricky Pearsall, questionable. [LB] Luke Gifford, questionable. [LB] Dee Winters, questionable. [LB] Fred Warner, out. And Jacob Cowing, questionable. Go ahead.”
Although Warner won’t be able to help his team on the field during the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the four-time All-Pro didn’t suffer a setback after returning to practice this week.
“No,” Shanahan said on if Warner had a setback. “Looked good.”
If the 49ers can get the best of their division rivals this weekend, Warner is trending toward playing in the NFC Championship Game against either the Los Angeles Rams or Chicago Bears.
“Yes. I do feel confident in that,” Shanahan said of Warner’s status for next week. “We’ll see if it works out.”
Obviously, that’s great news for the 49ers, but they’ll first have to contend with a very good Seahawks team without one of their best defensive players.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Sends Clear Message on Sam Darnold Injury News