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Sam Darnold will miss the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a quad injury, head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Wednesday. The quarterback is considered week-to-week, creating another significant concern for a Seattle team that has struggled to match expectations during the 2026 season.
Breaking Sam Darnold injury update changes Seahawks plans
Macdonald said Darnold will not play Thursday’s game against Arizona and will not be placed on injured reserve. The Seahawks quarterback also sustained a rib injury early in Seattle’s Week 8 loss to the Chicago Bears, although the quad issue appears to be the primary reason for his absence.
The injury may also be connected to the glute problem that sidelined Darnold earlier this season. While the team has not provided a detailed diagnosis, the latest update suggests Seattle will take a cautious approach rather than risk a longer absence.
Darnold’s health has become an increasingly important storyline for the Seahawks. He returned from his earlier injury and produced several encouraging performances, but his play has been inconsistent. In Week 8, Darnold completed 17 of 34 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a 34-17 loss to Chicago. He added 20 rushing yards on two attempts.
Drew Lock takes over as Seattle’s starter
Drew Lock will start at quarterback against the Cardinals. According to the report, Lock is also likely to remain under center in Week 10 if Darnold is not ready to return.
Lock has already made two successful appearances for Seattle this season, throwing for 422 yards and four touchdowns in just under two full games. That previous production gives him some appeal in deeper fantasy formats, particularly Superflex leagues where starting quarterbacks carry extra value.
Still, expectations should remain measured. Lock has been dealing with an elbow issue and had recently been serving as the emergency quarterback. Although he is healthy enough to start, the Seahawks may use Jalen Milroe in practice and could manage Lock’s workload depending on how he responds physically.
- Drew Lock: Enters the QB2 conversation in Superflex leagues.
- Sam Darnold: Should be considered week-to-week and unavailable for Week 9.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Remains Seattle’s most important passing-game option.
- Seattle offense: Faces another adjustment after producing only 252 total yards in Week 8.
What the injury means for Seattle’s offense
The Seahawks were already searching for answers after their loss to Chicago. Darnold faced consistent pressure throughout the game, and Seattle’s offense became increasingly limited after halftime. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 92 receiving yards before the break but managed only 26 yards in the second half as Chicago adjusted defensively.
That makes the quarterback change particularly important. Lock will need to maintain the connection with Smith-Njigba while also keeping Seattle’s other playmakers involved. The Cardinals present a favorable matchup on paper, but a short week and a backup quarterback could make offensive consistency difficult.
For fantasy managers, Lock is a reasonable short-term option in two-quarterback and Superflex formats. He is not an automatic choice in standard one-quarterback leagues, but his previous touchdown production and the matchup against Arizona give him a path to useful numbers.
Darnold, meanwhile, should be removed from starting lineups until he returns to practice. Even before the injury, his fantasy production had been uneven. In Week 8, he finished outside typical QB2 value despite throwing two touchdowns, and his recent injury history adds further uncertainty.
What comes next for Sam Darnold?
Seattle will monitor Darnold’s quad and rib injuries throughout the coming days. Macdonald’s decision not to place him on injured reserve offers some optimism that the absence may be limited, but “week-to-week” leaves his Week 10 status unclear.
The Seahawks will likely provide more information as Darnold begins rehabilitation and attempts to return to practice. Until then, Lock is the team’s starting quarterback, while fantasy managers should track Seattle’s official injury reports closely.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sam Darnold out in Week 9?
Sam Darnold is out because of a quad injury. He also suffered a rib injury during Seattle’s Week 8 loss, but the quad issue appears to be the main reason he will miss the game.
Who will start for the Seahawks against Arizona?
Drew Lock will start at quarterback for Seattle against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.
Is Sam Darnold going on injured reserve?
No. Mike Macdonald said Darnold will not be placed on injured reserve and is considered week-to-week.
Should fantasy managers start Drew Lock?
Lock is a viable option in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. He is a riskier choice in standard formats but could provide QB2 value against Arizona.
Will Sam Darnold play in Week 10?
That remains uncertain. Lock is likely to start again in Week 10 if Darnold is not ready, but the Seahawks have not provided a firm timetable for his return.
