Sam Darnold Active for Seahawks-49ers

Sam Darnold is playing. I can confirm the Seahawks quarterback has been declared active minutes before kickoff against the 49ers. His oblique was the question all week. It is no longer. Seattle has its starter for a win or go home playoff fight.

What Darnold’s status means right now

This changes the entire feel of Seattle’s offense. With Darnold up, the Seahawks can use their full call sheet. The quick game is in play. The play action shot is back on the menu.

Expect a steady mix. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet should see early touches to ease Darnold in. Off that, Seattle can hunt matchups for DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Jaxon Smith Njigba can work the middle, especially on choice routes. The goal is simple. Keep the rush honest and give Darnold clean answers.

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The health question, and how it shapes the plan

An oblique is tricky for a quarterback. It affects torque, accuracy, and drive. Seattle knows this. Look for quicker throws, rhythm timing, and designed movement. Sprint outs. Half rolls. RPO looks to slow the rush. The staff will test what he can handle, then adjust.

The 49ers will test him too. Nick Bosa and a heavy front aim to squeeze the pocket. They want to force late throws. Fred Warner prowls the middle and erases mistakes. If Darnold can win early downs, he can avoid long yardage. That keeps the pass rush from teeing off.

Any snap count does not apply here. This is the playoffs. But the team will monitor him closely. Velocity on deep outs and sideline throws will tell us a lot. So will how often he keeps the ball on boots and keepers.

The matchup, redefined

Seattle’s identity needs to show. Physical on the ground. Clear answers on third down. Smart protection calls against five man pressures. With Darnold active, the Seahawks can attack the numbers. They can use tempo to keep the 49ers stuck in base looks. They can test the perimeter with quick hitters, then take a shot when the safeties creep.

This is also about poise. Darnold has seen this defense before, and he knows its speed. Ball security is the hinge of this game. Field position matters against San Francisco’s efficient offense. Every drive that ends in a kick is a small win. The Seahawks need to stack those and wait for a break.

Here are the early keys I will watch once the ball is kicked:

• First three throws, are they crisp and on time
• Frequency of designed movement, boots and sprints
• Protection checks versus simulated pressure
• Third down plan, especially third and five to seven
• Red zone decisions, touchdown or throwaway

The betting picture, and why it moved

Books reacted fast to this update. The spread has nudged from seven to six and a half. Half a point is not a shout, but it signals respect for quarterback stability. Bettors care about two things here. Turnover risk and explosive play potential. Darnold’s status helps both. Seattle’s total playbook is now in play, which widens the range of outcomes.

If you like live betting, the first quarter will be telling. Watch Darnold’s zip and comfort on intermediate throws. Watch how Seattle handles second and long. If the Seahawks stay ahead of the sticks, the number could keep inching.

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What this tells the locker room

This is a lift. Quarterbacks set the mood in January. An active Darnold gives the huddle confidence and clarity. Receivers can trust timing. The line can lean into its cadence plan. The defense knows it does not need a perfect game to win. That ripple matters on the road in a hostile spot.

Final word

The question is answered. Sam Darnold is active, and Seattle’s offense has its leader under center. The plan will be smart and tailored to the oblique. The 49ers will bring heat and speed. The Seahawks will counter with rhythm and balance. One clean pocket, one precise throw, and this playoff story can turn. Buckle up, the opening series will tell us everything. 🏈