Reigning Champion Seahawks Getting Sam Darnold Back for Week 3

Written By Nick Crain | Published at September 26, 2026

Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) takes the field for warm ups before a game against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

After winning the Super Bowl last season, the Seattle Seahawks are off to a 2-0 start, but they've played a large portion of those first two games without starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

After missing Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals with a glute injury that he suffered during the season opener against the New England Patriots, Darnold returned to practice this week and was a full participant Thursday.

And head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Friday that Darnold will make his return this week against the Washington Commanders.

That's significant news for a team that was simply trying to stay afloat without its starter. Now the Seahawks can get back on track with their Super Bowl-winning quarterback under center.

Sam Darnold Set to Return to Seahawks Offense

Darnold's absence didn't slow down Seattle much. Drew Lock stepped in and played well in Week 1 against New England to help secure the win, and then against an Arizona team that was expected to be competitive on paper this season, Lock had no problem commanding the offense in a 31-7 victory.

But there's a different level of production that Darnold brings. He was the starting quarterback for the Super Bowl champions last season, and the floor of this Seahawks offense rises with him under center.

Lock has some interesting traits and can certainly put up points leading the offense, which Seattle saw over the first two weeks. But on a week-to-week basis, Darnold provides the consistency the Seahawks want from the position.

Seahawks Still Have Other Injuries to Deal With

Despite getting Darnold back, Seattle will still be without both starting safeties Sunday, with Julian Love out because of a calf injury and Ty Okada dealing with a hamstring injury.

Those absences leave the Seahawks shorthanded on the back end of one of the NFL's best defenses. Seattle should still have enough talent to overcome those injuries, but Darnold's return doesn't mean this is suddenly a fully healthy Seahawks roster.

And this is a team expected to contend again this season. Seattle survived Darnold's absence without losing a game. Now the Seahawks can move forward with their starting quarterback and work on building cohesion offensively as they look to remain undefeated.