By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Sam Darnold Out With Quad, Seahawks Turn to Drew Lock vs. Cards

Three sentences into his Wednesday press conference, head coach Mike Macdonald announced that starting quarterback Sam Darnold has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a quad injury.

“ Sam injured his quad at the end of the game. Sam’s going to be out this week. It’s going to be week-to-week for Sam. He’s not going to go on the injured reserve,” said Macdonald. “ The plan is for Drew (Lock) to start; Jalen (Milroe) will be ready to back up. Drew’s still working back from his elbow (injury), so we’ll work through that process this week. We’ll be getting both guys ready to play. Have full confidence in those guys. We have a plan in place, and we’ll go execute.”

In addition to the quad injury, Darnold played Sunday’s game with cracked ribs, which he suffered on the second play of the game.

“The quad was at the end, so we knew that was an issue at the end. I wasn’t aware of the rib throughout the game until after,” added Macdoald. According to Macdonald, the team is not planning on placing  Darnold on IR, and his status is game-to-game for the moment.

RUSH TO GET LOCK READY

While the Seahawks are planning on starting Lock, there is some doubt regarding the status of his elbow. Lock has been inactive the last two games due to the elbow. Jalen Milroe has served as Darnold’s backup in the two games Lock was inactive.

“He’s able to throw. How much? We’re working through that right now. That’s the best way to put it. It’s a different injury than Sam (Darnold) had in the playoffs,’ said Macdonald. “ He’s going to throw the ball throughout the week, but we’re going to manage it. He’s not going to take 8,000 throws.”

Lock has played in two games, and ironically, his lone start this season was against the Cardinals in Week Two. Lock replaced Darnold in the season opener after he went down with a hip injury. Against the Cardinals, Lock had a stellar game, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Lock was sacked once for 16 yards.

INJURY REPORT DESIGNATION

The Seahawks held a walkthrough practice Wednesday afternoon. Lock was listed as a limited participant with a right elbow injury designation. It is no surprise that Lock landed on the report. The Thursday and Friday injury reports will be telling regarding how Lock is progressing. Macdonald indicated that the team has a plan for how they manage both Lock and Milroe’s reps leading up to Sunday’s game. “

They’ll be splitting reps for a certain amount of time. We have to take it day-by-day at this point. Jalen (Milroe) will take some practice reps as well. Today’s a slow day, so it’s hard to tell,” said Macdonald. “ We have a plan for Drew (Lock) to get some live throws later. It’s one of those things where you have to work it day in, day out and figure out what’s the best way to get into Sunday.”

SEAHAWKS ADD DEPTH

With Darnold sidelined with the quad injury, the Seahawks signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to the practice squad. Martinez went undrafted in the 2023 draft and began his professional career with the Lions but was waived before the season began.

The former Kansas State standout signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United  Football League and went on to earn league  MVP  honors as well as UFL Championship Game MVP honors. Following his UFL success, Martinez spent time with the Jets and the 49ers. The Seahawks also signed linebacker Jamie Sheriff to the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT

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