BREAKING: Sam Darnold active for Seahawks in playoff showdown vs 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks got the answer they needed right before kickoff. I can confirm quarterback Sam Darnold, listed as questionable with an oblique injury, is active for tonight’s elimination game against the San Francisco 49ers. The decision arrived late, and it will shape how Seattle attacks a fierce defense in a stadium that gets louder by the drive.
Sam Darnold is active. The Seahawks will start their playoff plan with their primary quarterback available.
What I saw in warmups
Darnold moved through early throws with a guarded but confident motion. He wore a compression wrap and stayed deliberate with his torso turns. The ball came out on time. Velocity was not a problem on the short and intermediate routes. Deep shots were selective, by design, but he hit multiple go balls from the right hash with solid spin.
Coaches kept the pace steady. He worked with the starters, then took a short break for treatment. After that, he returned for red zone timing and quick game rhythm. This plan matched a quarterback managing an oblique, not protecting a major limitation. [IMAGE_1]
What an oblique means for a QB
An oblique controls how a passer rotates. It affects torque, especially on deep throws and off-platform movement. The first sign of trouble is usually a dip in drive on outbreaking routes. The second sign is a reluctance to climb and hitch in the pocket. I did not see those red flags. The staff did hold back on repeated deep posts in warmups, which was smart with this injury type.
Oblique injuries can flare during contact or sudden twists. One awkward hit can change the plan.
How this shapes Seattle’s offensive plan
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will lean into rhythm throws and defined reads. Expect a heavy dose of quick outs, slants, sticks, and choice routes that ask for fast decisions, not long holds. The ball needs to leave in 2.5 seconds or less. That minimizes strain on Darnold’s core and stress on pass protection.
The run game becomes the co-star. Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet give Seattle balance and attitude. Duo and inside zone can make the 49ers play honest. Toss looks and split zone can slow the edge rush. If the Seahawks hit four yards a carry early, the whole call sheet opens.
Play action will still matter. Look for pistol and under-center keepers that move the launch point without asking Darnold to sprint. Bootlegs to his dominant side, half-rolls, and quick stop routes help neutralize Nick Bosa and friends. Shot plays can come off max protect, with two receivers driving deep and the back chipping before releasing. [IMAGE_2]
Here are the offensive keys I expect Seattle to emphasize:
- Win first down with quick throws and hard downhill runs
- Keep edges honest with motion and crack toss
- Use tempo to prevent the 49ers from rolling fresh rushers
- Target the middle against split safeties, then take a timely shot
The 49ers challenge
San Francisco’s front is the problem that never leaves. Nick Bosa can wreck drives. Javon Hargrave collapses pockets. Arik Armstead eats space and hands off pressure to linebackers who clean up. Fred Warner will read Darnold’s eyes and break on slants before the catch point. That is why Seattle’s speed of operation is vital.
San Francisco loves to push the pocket right into a quarterback’s lap. If Darnold cannot step into throws, timing dies. To counter, watch for fast play action on first down, not just third and long. Also expect jet motion that forces second-level defenders to bump and communicate, which creates windows.
Contingency and confidence
Seattle dressed with the reality of a playoff game in mind. There is a backup plan and an emergency option if the oblique tightens. The call sheet includes a leaner package of quicks, screens, and perimeter runs if mobility drops. I was told the sideline will monitor torque and follow-through on each series. If that changes, the approach will change with it.
Still, the vibe was steady. Darnold looked comfortable. His teammates fed off the clarity that he is going. DK Metcalf’s body language told the same story. Tyler Lockett stayed late for extra red zone reps. The offense knows the first two drives will set the tone.
Early rhythm is everything. If Seattle hits the first five completions, the 49ers cannot sit on tendencies.
What it means for Seattle and the 12s
This is a rivalry with history and heat. The 12s travel, and you could hear them during warmups, loud and proud. Seattle’s identity is toughness and answers in tight moments. Having the starting quarterback available keeps that identity intact.
Tonight, the plan is simple, not easy. Manage the rush. Keep the chains moving. Take the right shot when the coverage invites it. Darnold is active, and that changes the math. In a one-game season, availability is the first win. Now it is about execution when the noise spikes and the pocket shakes.
The whistle is coming. All eyes will be on the first series, and how No. 14 drives the script. If Seattle plays on time and on schedule, they have a real path. If they do, that late status update will feel like the moment the night turned their way.
