Seahawks to start Sam Darnold as safety injuries mount ahead of Commanders matchup
Seattle will field quarterback Sam Darnold on Sunday, but will be without both starting safeties as injuries continue to affect the roster.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed on Friday that Sam Darnold cleared the final injury report and will start against Washington on Sunday. Darnold missed most of the season opener and the following week with a glute injury, but his recovery has progressed enough for him to return to the lineup. Backup quarterback Drew Lock remains the second-string option after two solid performances, and rookie Jalen Milroe is listed as the emergency third quarterback.
Safety Julian Love was held out after his calf tightened in practice. Love, who missed half of last season due to injury, had recorded interceptions in each of the Seahawks' first two games this year. Ty Okada's hamstring also remains unresolved, leaving Rodney Thomas II and A.J. Finley as the starting safety pair. The team may promote either Maxen Hook or D’Anthony Bell from the practice squad on Saturday.
Nose tackle Brandon Pili is listed as questionable because of a concussion and neck injury, the only other player with an injury designation for Seattle.
Washington faces a longer injury list, including guard Sam Cosmi, tight end Chig Okonkwo, linebacker Frankie Luvu and safety Nick Cross, all ruled out for the contest.