The Seattle Seahawks are expected to have quarterback Sam Darnold completely healthy as they prepare for the Super Bowl this Sunday. Darnold had been managing an oblique injury that affected him during the break between the conference championships and the Super Bowl, but a recent update on Wednesday confirmed his recovery and readiness.
Progress Made After Oblique Injury Hindered Preparations
Darnold struggled with his oblique injury during the Seahawks’ playoff run, yet he still managed to deliver three touchdown passes in the NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Although his involvement in practice sessions remained limited in the days before the Super Bowl, Darnold confidently told reporters that he is now fully healthy.
It feels really good, Darnold expressed, according to ESPN.
Definitely the time off has helped a little bit. I’m always just going to take it one step at a time, do my rehab and do everything I need to do to make sure it feels great going into practice and going into the game … on Sunday.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald also shared insights on Darnold’s recovery strategy, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury during practice.
Sam’s right on schedule, Macdonald noted.
So we’ve had this plan here over the last X amount of weeks, and it varies every day. And today he had a great day, so we’re right on schedule.
Macdonald further expressed confidence in his quarterback’s condition as the team gears up for the championship game.
He’s in a great spot. I know he’s really confident,
the coach stated.
Darnold’s Journey to Super Bowl Spotlight
Sam Darnold has focused intensely on the upcoming game, setting aside discussion about his unconventional path to the Super Bowl stage. Originally a first-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s career took a different route than some of his notable contemporaries, including Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Baker Mayfield, who found greater early success.
After leaving the Jets, Darnold joined the Minnesota Vikings last season and led the team to 14 wins, though the Vikings opted to move on from him during the offseason. He subsequently signed with the Seahawks to continue his NFL career.
When questioned if winning the Super Bowl would serve as personal vindication, Darnold dismissed that narrative and highlighted his work ethic instead.
It doesn’t really come down to that for me,
Darnold remarked via the team’s official website.
It’s always just been about putting in hard work, every single day. Hard work and all the dedication and hours I put in in the offseason, during the season, it leads to this moment. That’s the mindset I have, and really the mindset I’ve had my entire career.
Injury Concerns Continue for Seahawks Defense
While Darnold appears set for the game, the Seahawks faced a new injury challenge during Wednesday’s practice when defensive back Nick Emmanwori sustained an ankle injury during drills. The coaching staff is currently assessing the severity and determining the team’s next steps.
He had an ankle today, Macdonald said.
We brought him in to look at it, and we’ll kind of go from here and figure out what are the next steps.
Anticipated Impact of Darnold’s Health and Team Outlook
Having Sam Darnold at full strength provides the Seahawks with a crucial boost as they prepare for the Super Bowl. His recovery and readiness reflect both his dedication and the team’s careful management of his injury. Meanwhile, the injury to Emmanwori remains a concern, showing that the Seahawks must stay alert to potential setbacks leading up to the game. Darnold’s focus on hard work and his confident mindset set the tone for Seattle’s hopes to claim the championship.
