RENTON, Wash. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is aiming to return to action this Sunday against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium, he said during his first media session since sustaining a hip injury in the team’s season opener.
He’s approaching his recovery on a day-by-day basis, Darnold noted, adding that he’s trying not to rush the process or invite bad luck.
The 29-year-old signal-caller suffered the setback just five plays into the Seahawks’ 13–10 win over the New England Patriots on September 9. A team spokesperson initially labeled the issue an unusual soft-tissue problem affecting the hip region.
Darnold resumed practice on Wednesday for the first time in two weeks, appearing in a limited capacity. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury observed strong performance during the session, while Darnold himself reported only mild soreness afterward and overall solid physical condition.
Head coach Mike Macdonald indicated earlier in the week that the starting decision would be finalized by Friday, pitting Darnold against backup Drew Lock.
Macdonald emphasized that neither Lock’s steady play nor the Seahawks’ stout defense would heavily influence the choice. Seattle has averaged 22 points per game without Darnold, ranking 17th in league scoring. Its defense has been especially dominant, allowing just 17 points over two contests.
If there had been a meaningful risk of deterioration beyond typical in-game strain, that could have weighed more heavily, Macdonald explained. As of now, it comes down to whether he feels ready to take the field.
Darnold welcomed Thursday’s opportunity to speak with reporters, appreciating the chance to offer clarity after what initially seemed like a potentially serious setback. While awaiting imaging at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, he admitted concern that the injury might threaten his long-term career trajectory, though those fears were allayed once results came in.
He recalled receiving confirmation after a CT scan, which provided a clearer picture of the hip’s internal structures and helped the medical team convey optimism.
Darnold never remained in serious consideration for injured reserve, a move that would have sideline him for a minimum of four games. His recuperation has outpaced early projections, with Macdonald noting a notably improved timeline following Seattle’s 31–7 road win over Arizona.
On-field drills during open practices have included targeted work with resistance bands to support hip mobility and strength. Darnold clarified that this current issue is distinct from an oblique strain he endured during last year’s postseason run.
Injuries in one region often prompt surrounding musculature to stiffen, he explained, underscoring the importance of maintaining flexibility and control during his return.
Last season, Darnold earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection after guiding the Seahawks to their second Super Bowl championship. In 2025, he completed 67.7% of his passes, amassing 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 picks.
Seattle quarterback Geno Lock has maintained a strong level of play during the absence of Russell Wilson, leading the Seahawks to a perfect 2-0 start to the season. This includes a notable comeback victory against the New England Patriots in the opener. In those first two games, Lock has completed 35 of his 48 pass attempts for a 72.9 percent completion rate, accumulating 422 passing yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Wilson expressed no surprise at his teammate’s performance, describing Lock as a skilled player who executed well on the field. Wilson noted that he was simply happy for Lock’s success. The injured quarterback acknowledged that watching the team defeat New England on his smartphone from a hospital room was a challenging experience. Wilson, who entered the league as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018, has previously spent time with five different NFL organizations before settling with Seattle.
While Wilson has missed the opportunity to play, he expressed gratitude for the relatively short duration of his injury. Instead of missing the entire season, he expects to be sidelined for only a few weeks. A potential return as early as Sunday would be a positive development for Wilson. He indicated that his final step toward feeling game-ready will be a mental adjustment, requiring him to focus on the sport rather than his physical condition.
Wilson stated that he needs to feel confident in his ability to slide and protect his hip, allowing him to concentrate on football tasks and play at a fast pace without worrying about his injury.
In other team news, safety Julian Love missed Thursday’s practice due to a calf issue. The Seahawks placed right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve on Wednesday. With Bradford out for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, third-year veteran Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens have been rotating at the right guard position.
Safety Ty Okada, dealing with a hamstring injury, did not practice on either Wednesday or Thursday. He has not appeared in a game for Seattle this season. Safety Rodney Thomas II was added to the 53-man roster on Wednesday and is expected to start in Okada’s place. Running back Jadarian Price, who suffered a chest injury against the Cardinals, was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. Price has carried the ball 23 times for 104 yards this season.