The trajectory of Saturday’s NFC divisional-round matchup between the No. 6 seed San Francisco 49ers and No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks looks much different today than it did just a few days ago.
News broke on Thursday that Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffered an oblique injury. He didn’t practice that day and was officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
Many began speculating that Darnold could miss the win-or-go-home matchup against Seattle’s bitter rival, though the QB himself downplayed the severity of his injury.
“In routes on air, just kind of just felt a little something on that oblique, just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold told reporters. “Wasn’t the day to push it so that was it. So I just came inside, got some rehab and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
While Darnold’s status still hasn’t been officially decided, a new injury update on Darnold emerged just hours before the game that could change everything.
Adam Schefter Reveals Major Darnold Update
GettySeattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold and San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy
Though the 49ers-Seahawks game doesn’t kick off until 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Schefter disclosed earlier in the morning some news about Darnold that should both Seahawks fans and provide some optimism for 49ers fans.
“Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since he hurt his oblique Thursday,” Schefter reported. “The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start tonight’s game vs. the 49ers. Backup QB Drew Lock took the reps the past two days and is ready if needed.”
If Darnold does play against the 49ers, it’s expected he will be mild-to-moderately limited.
The 28-year-old QB threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions with a passer rating of 99.1, but his mobility, down-field throwing power, and accuracy could all be affected depending on the severity of his oblique injury.
Sports Doctor’s Opinion of Darnold Injury
Well-known sports doctor Jesse More, CEO of Injury Expertz, shared that Schefter’s Darnold update wasn’t what the Seahawks wanted to hear.
“Hmmm this could be potentially VERY concerning,” stated Morse, who just two days prior posited: “I do expect him to play but he will be limited and could struggle with throwing.”
Morse also posted a video on his X account further explaining exactly why Darnold’s injury is not only concerning but what could be affected if he plays less than 100%.
“If this gets to a point where he is not able to function or not able to accurately place the ball or get enough velocity under the ball, Drew Lock will enter the game [and the Seahawks’ season] will be on Drew Lock,” Morse stated.
“… This is a huge deal, and even if his oblique has no issues and no tweaks, this is something they have to be cognizant of. The 49ers as a result, even though they lost George Kittle, have a significant advantage here because not only do they have 4 or 5 more players than the last time they played, but now the No. 1 most important player on the Seahawks is injured in some capacity.”
Adam Schefter Drops Sam Darnold Injury Bombshell Before 49ers-Seahawks