Sam Darnold Cleared to Start NFC Championship Game as Seahawks Manage Injuries Ahead of Rams Showdown

RENTON, Wash. Sam Darnold is set to start the NFC Championship Game after completing the week without a game designation, a significant breaking update for the Seattle Seahawks as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Lumen Field.

The Seahawks quarterback practiced on a limited basis throughout the week while managing an oblique injury suffered in practice last Thursday, but both Darnold and head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the plan and timeline progressed as expected. Darnold said Friday that his condition continued to improve daily and that he felt prepared for the championship matchup.

Darnold played through the injury in the divisional round against San Francisco, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown before exiting with nine minutes remaining in a 41 to 6 victory. That performance secured the first playoff win of his eight year NFL career and allowed Seattle to manage his workload in a lopsided game.

Macdonald said earlier in the week that Darnold’s throwing volume would be controlled as part of the recovery process, a common approach for oblique injuries given the rotational stress placed on quarterbacks. By Friday, the Seahawks indicated the medical outlook remained positive, with no setbacks reported.

Seattle also received encouraging news along the offensive line. Left tackle Charles Cross returned as a full participant Friday after missing the first two practices of the week with a foot injury that forced him out late against the 49ers. Cross is expected to protect Darnold’s blindside with no game designation.

Backup tackle Josh Jones is listed as questionable after dealing with knee and ankle injuries, while third string tackle Amari Kight is doubtful with a knee injury. Fullback Robbie Ouzts is questionable due to a neck issue, and linebacker Chazz Surratt remains out on injured reserve.

The Seahawks made several roster moves Friday that impact their depth and outlook. Running back Zach Charbonnet was placed on injured reserve following a season ending knee injury suffered against San Francisco. Rookie guard Bryce Cabeldue was also placed on IR, creating roster spots for tight end Elijah Arroyo and running back George Holani, both activated from injured reserve ahead of the title game.

Kenneth Walker III remains the primary back, while Macdonald declined to name a definitive No. 2 option behind him. Seattle has Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr. on the practice squad as additional depth. Darnold said Holani has earned the staff’s trust through preparation and system familiarity.

The Seahawks and Rams split their regular season series, with Los Angeles winning 21 to 19 at SoFi Stadium in November before Seattle responded with a 38 to 37 overtime victory at Lumen Field in Week 16. Seattle enters the latest matchup favored by 2.5 points in what serves as the third meeting between the NFC West rivals this season.

Since 2005, the Seahawks are 11 and 1 in home playoff games. The only loss during that span came against the Rams in the 2020 season, when Lumen Field was played without fans. Sunday marks Seattle’s first home playoff game with fans in attendance since 2017, adding another layer to the atmosphere surrounding the matchup.

Darnold said his pregame routine is expected to mirror last week’s adjusted process, which included throwing indoors until shortly before kickoff. With the latest injury updates trending positively, Seattle enters championship weekend with its quarterback ready, its offensive line stabilizing, and a clear next step in its postseason outlook as it attempts to reach the Super Bowl.