Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold wasn’t able to “let it rip” during practices, but will play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Darnold will reportedly get the start despite dealing with an oblique injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Darnold’s availability for the contest was never really in question after he was listed as limited in practice all week and was not given an injury designation before the game. But his level of participation in practices suggests the issue may be more serious than it appears.
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Darnold reportedly split time with backup Drew Lock in practice during the week. The Seahawks were careful with the starter, not allowing Darnold to throw it deep in practices. The quarterback is reportedly saving those types of throws for Sunday’s game, per Schefter.
Darnold attempted only short and medium throws at practice and did not, as one source described, “let it rip.” He is saving that level of throwing effort for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The 28-year-old Darnold initially sustained the injury ahead of the team’s divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the injury, Darnold was able to play against the 49ers, where he helped lead the team to a dominant 41-6 win.
Darnold wasn’t asked to do much in the victory. With the Seahawks jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, Darnold only threw the ball 17 times throughout the contest. After the Seahawks essentially clinched the game, Lock came on in relief of Darnold. Lock, however, did not throw a pass during the contest.
While it’s unclear how Darnold will respond if pushed into more action against the Rams on Sunday, the quarterback plans to take a pain-killing injection prior to the game, per Schefter. He did the same thing before the team’s divisional round game and it helped.
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After a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings last year, Darnold signed with the Seahawks in free agency and mostly repeated his strong numbers. Through 17 games, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
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