Sam Darnold will start at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
The team will be without both starting safeties, Julian Love and Ty Okada, who were ruled out due to injuries, coach Mike Macdonald said.
Darnold had been sidelined for most of the season's first two games with a glute injury but returned to full practice by Friday.
Macdonald described Darnold's progress as "really good" and emphasized his readiness to play.
"Sam's going to play, and he's ready to go," Macdonald said. "He's done a great job."
Darnold shared his initial fears that the injury could end his season and impact his career.
He praised backup Drew Lock, who helped the Seahawks secure a 2-0 start during Darnold's absence.
"When I was hurt on the fifth play of Week 1, I briefly feared my season might be over," Darnold said.
Secondary Adjustments
With Okada out due to a hamstring injury, Rodney Thomas II will make his third straight start.
AJ Finley will start in place of Love, who remains sidelined with a calf issue.
Finley, signed in 2024 after missing last season with an ACL injury, impressed coaches in practice and was praised for his ball skills and communication.
"You're really bummed about Julian obviously because he's had such a great start to the season and he's such a great player," Macdonald said.
"But when AJ got the pick in training camp, I'm thinking about the journey he's been on over the last year and the way he's really gotten his body back and his movement.
He had a great practice today."
"He's on it. He's sharp as a whip, great communication, ball skills, all those things.
So I'm excited for him to have the opportunity."
Okada is still unable to practice, and his return remains uncertain as the team monitors his progress.
"It's just a day-to-day to week-to-week type of thing," Macdonald said. "So for him to come back ...
he's got to start making a little more progress. But he's a stud, he's working his tail off."
Nick Emmanwori, the third safety, has been participating fully in practice after recovering from ankle surgery and is expected to take on a larger role in the defense.
Rookie running back Jadarian Price has also returned to full participation after a chest and shoulder injury.
Running back Zach Charbonnet remains on the physically unable to perform list and will miss at least two more games.
"He's taken a ton of reps," Macdonald said of Price. "Excited to see him to go play.
He's ready to go."
