The anticipation is building! Football fans are buzzing, wondering if Sam Darnold will be leading the Seattle Seahawks onto the field today. It's the divisional-round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, and the stakes couldn't be higher. This matchup marks the third time this season these NFC West rivals will clash.
The 49ers, despite facing injuries to key players like edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, as well as offensive stars like quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, have shown incredible resilience throughout the regular season. Remember their regular-season finale? Seattle clinched a 13-3 victory, securing one of the best regular seasons in franchise history.
The Seahawks, much like their dominant teams of the 2010s, are powered by a formidable defense. Their stars shine at every level, making them a force against both the run and the pass. On offense, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a top playmaker in 2025.
Now, the spotlight is on quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a stellar season. But, here's where it gets interesting: tonight's game marks Darnold's first playoff start since enduring an NFL record-tying nine sacks in a wild-card loss last year.
Darnold's status was uncertain due to an oblique injury. So, is he playing?
The good news: Darnold is officially active and expected to start in today's divisional-round playoff game against the 49ers. He downplayed the injury, stating he felt something but didn't want to push it. He's listed as questionable on the injury report, but reports suggest he's confident and ready to play.
But here's where it gets controversial...
If Darnold can't play, who's next? Drew Lock, the second-string quarterback, is expected to step in. The team also has rookie Jalen Milroe available.
What do you think? Will Darnold's injury affect the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
