SEATTLE — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is poised to return after just one game missed, logging a full participation in Thursday's practice ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders. Darnold, who injured his glute just five plays into the opening game against the New England Patriots, also had media availability Thursday, a typical positive indicator for players working through injury.
"Feeling good," Darnold said on Thursday prior to practice. "For me, especially during this week, taking it day-by-day. Continuing to balance the reps and do everything I need to get ready." Darnold added, "I'm striving for [playing on Sunday]. I'm taking it day-by-day. Also, don't want to jinx anything." While the initial timeline ranged from a couple of weeks to over a month, messaging has turned consistently positive this week. Drew Lock deputized in Seattle's 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, throwing three touchdown passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with only one sack and zero turnovers.
While Darnold appears another practice away from returning, Seattle added a concerning name to the injury report. Safety Julian Love, who practiced on Wednesday, was a DNP on Thursday with a calf injury. Ty Okada remained a DNP with his hamstring issue, leaving the secondary thin heading into Friday's game designations.
Seattle has Rodney Thomas II and A.J. Finley available as backups, with both potentially pressed into starting duties if Love and Okada remain out. Maxen Hook and D'Anthony Bell are also available off the practice/ready squad. On the full Thursday report, only Love, Brandon Pili and Jadarian Price stand as clear question marks for Sunday.