Sam Darnold Returns to the Lineup and Will Start for Seahawks Against Commanders

Sam Darnold will once again be the starter for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, after a break forced by a glute injury. He was hurt in the season opener against the New England Patriots and was 1-for-2 for 13 yards before leaving the game; the injury was diagnosed as a glute issue, not a hip problem as initially thought.

According to the NFL, Darnold returned to practice gradually during the week, participating on a limited basis Wednesday and fully Thursday, and coach Macdonald made the call on his availability Friday. In his absence in Week 2, backup Drew Lock started the game and threw three touchdown passes, all to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The return follows a highly successful 2025 season for Darnold with Seattle: he made the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive time and helped the team finish 14-3 in the regular season before the Super Bowl triumph. That season he finished with a 67.7% completion rate, 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

As the NFL reports, Darnold will officially begin the 2026 season Sunday against the Commanders, restoring competition for the starting job in the Seahawks’ quarterback room.