Seahawks Notebook: Sam Darnold Returns to Practice, QB Decision Expected by Friday

RENTON, Wash. - While it remains unclear whether or not Sam Darnold will be able to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, signs continue to be encouraging as he recovers from a unique glute injury suffered in the Seattle Seahawks’ season opener on September 9.

Speaking with the media for his Wednesday availability, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald reaffirmed Darnold would practice on Wednesday, acknowledging that he will split reps with Drew Lock. The team will evaluate him by day to determine how to proceed potentially increasing reps as they draw closer to the weekend with hopes of making a decision on which quarterback will start by the end of the practice week.

"He's not going to take every rep today,” Macdonald updated. “Then we'll kind of ramp it up as the week goes."

Darnold exited Seattle’s opener just six plays into the game after his right knee crashed into the turf while being brought down by Patriots defensive end Dre’Mont Jones for a third down sack. He spent a brief moment in the injury tent before hobbling alongside trainers to the locker room, where he eventually was ruled out for the remainder of the night as Lock took the controls under center and orchestrated a second half comeback for a 13-10 victory.