Sam Darnold Returns to Lead Seahawks Against Commanders

Darnold cleared for Sunday return

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is set to start this Sunday against the Washington Commanders. The quarterback missed most of the first two games after picking up a glute injury on the fifth play of the season opener against the New England Patriots.

Darnold was limited in training on Wednesday before taking full part on Thursday and Friday. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Darnold looked really good all week and was ready to go. Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped in during Week 2, guiding Seattle to a 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals to give the team a 2-0 start.

Defensive reshuffle in the secondary

While the offense receives a boost, the defense has to manage without both starting safeties. Julian Love and Ty Okada have been ruled out for the trip to Washington.

Love missed practice on Thursday and Friday due to calf tightness. AJ Finley will take his place and make his first career NFL start. Finley joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and missed last season with a torn ACL. Okada is still dealing with a hamstring injury, which gives Rodney Thomas II his third consecutive start.

The Seahawks will also lean more on third safety Nick Emmanwori, who was a full participant in practice following his July ankle surgery. On the offensive side, rookie running back Jadarian Price is cleared to play after dealing with a chest and shoulder problem. Backup defensive tackle Brandon Pili is listed as questionable with a concussion and neck injury, while running back Zach Charbonnet remains out on the physically unable to perform list.