Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold says oblique feels 'really good' ahead of Super Bowl

Darnold has played through an oblique injury during each of Seattle's two playoff wins.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold says his oblique injury feels 'really good' ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday. Darnold has played through the injury during the team's two playoff wins and expects it not to affect him in the big game. The eighth-year quarterback has been limited in practice but is on schedule in his recovery, according to head coach Mike Macdonald.

Why it matters

Darnold's health is crucial for the Seahawks as they prepare to face off against a tough opponent in the Super Bowl. Any lingering effects from the oblique injury could hamper his performance and the team's chances of winning the championship.

The details

Darnold said the time off has helped his oblique injury and that he feels 'really good' ahead of the Super Bowl. He has been limited in practice but has gradually increased the number of passes he has thrown. Coach Macdonald said Darnold is 'right on schedule' in his recovery and that they have a plan in place for managing his workload.

  • Darnold injured his oblique on January 15.
  • The Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC championship game.

The players

Sam Darnold

The eighth-year quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who has played through an oblique injury during the team's two playoff wins.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks who has been managing Darnold's recovery and practice schedule.

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What they’re saying

“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, obviously on Sunday. It feels great.”

— Sam Darnold, Quarterback (AP NFL)

“Sam's right on schedule. 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.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach (AP NFL)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face off against their Super Bowl opponent on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Darnold's ability to manage his oblique injury and perform at a high level will be crucial for the Seahawks' chances of winning the Super Bowl. The team's careful management of his recovery and practice schedule suggests they are confident he will be ready to go on game day.