Sam Darnold Returns to Lead Seahawks Despite Key Injuries

The Seattle Seahawks will enter their Sunday showdown against the Washington Commanders with quarterback Sam Darnold back in the starting lineup after overcoming a lingering glute injury. However, the team faces a daunting challenge as both starting safeties—Julian Love and Ty Okada—have been ruled out, leaving the defense to reshuffle its secondary under intense scrutiny.

Darnold’s Comeback: From Fear for His Career to Ready to Play

Sam Darnold’s return marks a turning point for the Seahawks after he missed the first two games recovering from a glute injury sustained early in the season opener against the New England Patriots. Backup quarterback Drew Lock guided Seattle to a dominant 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, giving the team a 2-0 start. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Friday that Darnold’s confidence and practice performance warranted his reinstatement.

“Sam’s going to play, and he’s ready to go,” Macdonald said. “He’s done a great job.”

Darnold admitted earlier in the week that he feared his season—and even his career—might be over after his injury sidelined him in Week 1. His successful recovery and full participation in practices Thursday and Friday have restored his starting role, with Macdonald calling his return a “medical miracle.”

AJ Finley’s Moment of Redemption as Love’s Replacement

The absence of Julian Love, who intercepted passes in three consecutive games including Seattle’s Super Bowl LVII win over New England, opens a starting spot for undrafted rookie AJ Finley. Finley intercepted Darnold during training camp earlier this summer—a “full-circle moment” according to the player—before missing last season after an ACL tear. Coach Macdonald praised Finley’s preparation, highlighting his “ball skills” and “sharp communication.”

“When AJ got the pick in training camp, I’m thinking about the journey he’s been on over the last year,” Macdonald said. “He had a great practice today. He’s on it.”

Rodney Thomas II, who started alongside Finley in Week 2, will continue in his role against the Commanders. Love’s availability remains uncertain, as he was a nonparticipant in practice both Thursday and Friday due to a calf tightening.

Other Injury Updates: Pili Questionable, Price Returns

Defensive tackle Brandon Pili (concussion/neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Running back Jadarian Price, who missed the first two games with a chest/shoulder injury, returned to full participation Friday and is expected to contribute against the Commanders. Meanwhile, rookie running back Zach Charbonnet remains sidelined on the physically unable to perform list, with the team not activating his 21-day practice window this week.

Safeties’ Depth and Macdonald’s Resilience Message

Third safety Nick Emmanwori, who returned from July ankle surgery, is slated for a significantly expanded role beyond his nine snaps in Week 2. Practice squad safety Maxen Hook was elevated for depth. Coach Macdonald acknowledged the loss of Love as “a bummer” but emphasized the team’s ability to adapt, noting, “He’s had such a great start to the season. But when AJ got the pick… the way he’s really gotten his body back… he’s sharp as a whip.”

“Medical miracle he’s back,” Macdonald added. “He looks great.”

Looking Ahead: Can the Seahawks Maintain Momentum?

With Washington entering the fray as a formidable opponent, the Seahawks must rely on their revitalized quarterback duo and adaptive defense. Darnold’s leadership in crunch time and the emergence of Finley provide hope amid injuries, while the coaching staff’s ability to mitigate depth gaps could prove pivotal. For a young team balancing resilience and ambition, Sunday’s game represents a critical test of their upward trajectory.

Categories: Sports, NFL, Seattle Seahawks, Sam Darnold, Julian Love, AJ Finley, Ty Okada, Mike Macdonald, Injuries, Washington Commanders, Football