The Seattle Seahawks are coming up on the highly-publicized NFC championship game, which is set for Sunday, January 25, against the Los Angeles Rams at home. A significant part of the Seahawks’ success this season has been first-year quarterback Sam Darnold, who hailed from the Minnesota Vikings and keeps proving that they were foolish to let him walk.
According to NFL research, for the 2025-26 regular season, Darnold completed 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with just 14 interceptions. He also wrapped up with a 67.7 percent completion rate and had a 99.1 passer rating. Darnold, of course, led the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 record and the No. 1 spot in the entire NFC, not just the NFC West.
But, Darnold has been on the Seahawks’ injury report this week, due to an oblique injury that he’s been nursing ever since after hurting his left oblique in practice while warming up. It’s worrysome, to say the least, to see this critical part of the team on Seattle’s injury report just days before the team’s NFC championship game. Now, something changed on Friday, January 23, and it’s going to make a major impact on the game.
Sam Darnold and His Status with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC Championship Game
On Friday, January 23, the Seattle Seahawks released their injury report, and Darnold wasn’t on the tally. It’s the first time he hasn’t been listed in days, which is a good sign for the signal-caller going into the game.
“Quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) and offensive tackle Charles Cross (foot) are both off the injury report and good to go,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport said on X.
“Big boost. Getting healthy at the right time,” one follower stated on X, replying to the post. “Great news for the Seahawks—getting Darnold and Cross back healthy is huge for the offense. Should give them a real shot to keep things rolling down the stretch,” another added.
“Rams are so cooked,” one more said. “That’s good news for the Seahawks,” one more added.
So, Darnold is “good to go,” and that will be huge for the Seattle Seahawks’ offense against the Rams.
Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald Discusses Team’s Home Game Atmosphere
After the Seahawks’ win over the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs, head coach Mike Macdonald talked about the wild and great atmosphere at Lumen Field.
“What an atmosphere,” Macdonald told reporters after the game. “Holy smokes. The 12s, just our organization putting on a great setting. You do try to actually try to take some time and look around and just understand how incredibly blessed we are with the best fans in the world. It definitely made an impact to start the game. I just want to appreciate this. That was awesome, freaking awesome.”
Cooper Kupp also said of the atmosphere, “The 12s brought it,” and DaMarcus Lawrence called the experience “no better feeling.”
So, the Seahawks will bring that energy again on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. After this game, the team will be Super Bowl bound. What a ride.
Sam Darnold News Changes Everything Before Seahawks-Rams