Sam Darnold has moved to calm injury fears ahead of the NFC Championship game, telling reporters he feels “really good” despite carrying an oblique problem into the weekend.
The Seattle Seahawks quarterback spoke on Friday, just two days before the decisive play-off clash against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field, confirming he expects to start and lead his side in one of the biggest games of his career.
The update matters because Seattle’s Super Bowl hopes rest heavily on Darnold’s fitness.
A late setback could have forced the Seahawks to reshuffle at the most critical point of the season, affecting fans, betting markets, and the wider NFL play-off picture.
What injury has Sam Darnold been dealing with?
Sam Darnold has been managing an oblique injury on his left side, picked up during practice earlier this month. An oblique strain affects the muscles used for twisting and throwing, a key concern for any quarterback.
Despite the issue, the 28-year-old played through the pain in the divisional round and avoided any in-game limitations.
“I feel really good. Feeling really good this whole week. I feel like the process is going right along where it should be, so I feel really good for Sunday,” Darnold said, as quoted by ESPN.
Seattle listed him as limited in practice throughout the week, but crucially gave him no game-day injury designation, signalling medical clearance.
How did Sam Darnold perform with the injury last week?
Darnold’s numbers against the San Francisco 49ers suggest the injury did not hold him back.
Divisional Round Performance
- Passing yards: 124
- Completions: 12 of 17
- Touchdowns: 1
- Result: Seahawks won 41–6
Seattle leaned on a balanced game plan, but Darnold executed efficiently and avoided mistakes, a key reason the Seahawks cruised into the NFC Championship.
Why are the Seahawks confident in Darnold’s recovery?
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Darnold’s recovery has followed the expected timeline, with no unexpected setbacks during the week.
Darnold also praised Seattle’s medical and training staff, stressing that the approach has been cautious rather than risky.
“We’re just taking it day by day and making sure I do all the things I need to do to get ready for Sunday,” he said.
The Seahawks’ decision to limit him in all three practices appears to be preventative, not reactive.
What is at stake in the NFC Championship clash?
Seattle hosts the Rams with a Super Bowl place on the line. The two teams split their regular-season series:
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| November | SoFi Stadium | Rams won 21–19 |
| Week 16 | Lumen Field | Seahawks won 38–37 (OT) |
Sunday’s game marks the third meeting of the season, with Seattle banking on home advantage and a fully fit Sam Darnold.
Why does Lumen Field matter so much?
Lumen Field is known for its intense atmosphere, driven by Seattle’s fanbase, famously called “the 12s”. Darnold expects that energy to play a major role.
“It’s going to be incredible. I don’t know how you topped last week, but I’m sure the 12s will. They always bring it for us,” he said.
For UK viewers watching late on Sunday night, crowd noise and momentum swings could prove decisive.
