The Seattle Seahawks seem to have carried their momentum over from last season. Seattle is 2-0 to start the season despite losing Sam Darnold just plays into Week 1. Now the veteran quarterback may finally be ready to make his return as the Seahawks look to continue stacking wins.
Head coach Mike Macdonald said on Wednesday that Darnold is “on a good track” to play in Week 3 against the Commanders, per ESPN's Brady Henderson.
Darnold practiced on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a glute injury during Seattle's season opener. However, he was officially listed as limited. Macdonald also made it clear that Darnold would not be taking every rep after returning to practice. Instead, Seattle plans to slowly ramp up his reps as the week progresses.
Macdonald dodged a question about whether or not Darnold needs to be “fully healthy” before he can return.
“I don't know what fully healthy means,” Macdonald said. “I think we'll make a decision at some point before Friday's over. I don't think we'd go into the weekend not knowing if he's going to play. But it's on a good track right now, assuming today goes well.”
Even if Darnold does not return, the Seahawks still have Drew Lock to call upon.
Lock has been quite consistent while Darnold has been on the sideline. His high level of play as a backup gives Seattle options while Darnold works to get back on the field.
“If it was something where he was at risk of getting worse over the normal risk you take by taking the field, that might be part of the conversation,” Macdonald said. “But really it's a function at this point of does he feel good enough to play.”
Seahawks fans should keep their eyes peeled for the final injury report on Friday for more clues about Darnold's health.
Next up for the Seahawks is a road game against the Commanders. This Week 3 matchup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 27th from Northwest Stadium.