Seahawks coach says Sam Darnold on track to return for Sunday game

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Wednesday that quarterback Sam Darnold is "on a good track" to play Sunday against the Washington Commanders after missing most of the first two games with a glute injury. Darnold practiced for the first time since the season-opening injury but was listed as limited, and the coach indicated his reps will be increased gradually throughout the week.

"I don't know what fully healthy means," Macdonald said. "I think we'll make a decision at some point before Friday's over. I don't think we'd go into the weekend not knowing if he's going to play. But it's on a good track right now, assuming today goes well."

Backup quarterback Drew Lock has started the Seahawks' first two games, completing nearly 73% of his passes, throwing four touchdowns and no turnovers. He posted a Total QBR of 88.8 in the 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, the third-best of his career, and ranks fourth among all quarterbacks with a 85.8 QBR through two games.

When asked if Lock's performance allows the team to be more cautious with Darnold's return, Macdonald replied that any decision will depend on Darnold's health rather than the backup's play.

The coach also noted that safety Nick Emmanwori will see a "significantly higher" workload after limited action in Week 2, and that right guard Anthony Bradford was placed on injured reserve but is not expected to miss the season. Seattle signed safety Rodney Thomas II from the practice squad to add depth.