Sam Darnold Injury Shocker: Seahawks QB Questionable vs 49ers—Can Seattle Survive?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was a surprise late addition to the team’s official injury report on Thursday, drawing a “questionable” tag for Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round clash against the San Francisco 49ers after reporting soreness in his right oblique. The issue surfaced during the final workout of the week, and Darnold, who had avoided the injury list entirely throughout the regular season, was seen on the practice field applying a massage gun to his torso between passing drills before exiting for additional treatment. Head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that the team will “monitor soreness and rotational strength over the next 48 hours” before determining whether Darnold can suit up. The Seahawks plan to re-evaluate him during Friday’s walkthrough and again on game-day morning, with medical staff focusing on core stability tests common for oblique strains. An MRI taken late Thursday revealed no tear, but mild inflammation has prompted a round-the-clock treatment schedule that includes soft-tissue work and cryotherapy, according to a league source. If Darnold is sidelined or limited, Seattle would be forced to pivot toward third-stringer Holton Ahlers, elevating him from the practice squad while designating emergency veteran Sean Mannion as the No. 2, a scenario that would leave the offense without the down-field timing Darnold has built since taking over mid-season. The Seahawks’ coaching staff spent Thursday evening scripting a contingency game plan heavy on quick-game concepts and expanded zone-read looks for Ahlers, who impressed during preseason play. The timing could not be worse for Seattle, which travels to Levi’s Stadium on a short week after Sunday’s wild-card win. The 49ers boast the league’s No. 2 pressure rate and historically feast on immobile passers; an oblique injury often hampers torque on deep throws and can linger for several weeks if aggravated. Darnold’s recent surge—eight touchdown passes to just one interception over the last four games—has been pivotal to Seattle’s playoff push, and teammates voiced optimism that he will be able to “gut it out,” with receiver DK Metcalf noting that the quarterback “was still spinning it” during early portions of practice. Seattle has until 4 p.m. ET Friday to make any roster moves, but league rules allow Darnold to be listed as active and still serve as an emergency option if pain flares during warm-ups. Carroll emphasized the club’s “next-man-up” mantra yet acknowledged that “Sam’s arm talent and command of the offense are hard to replicate.” Local bookmakers nudged the betting line two points toward San Francisco within minutes of the injury disclosure, underscoring the market’s concern over Darnold’s availability. Fantasy managers and Seahawks fans alike should track Friday’s participation report closely. A full practice would be an encouraging sign; a limited or non-participant designation would likely push the decision up to pre-game warm-ups Saturday evening. Until then, the Seahawks’ postseason hopes hinge on how quickly Sam Darnold’s oblique calms down—turning a routine Thursday practice tweak into the defining storyline of this weekend’s showdown in Santa Clara.