Seahawks set to start Sam Darnold despite losing both starting safeties

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is slated to start Sunday against the Washington Commanders, but the team will be without both starting safeties after Julian Love and Ty Okada were ruled out with injuries. Defensive tackle Brandon Pili remains questionable after a concussion and neck issue, and no other players have been given a game designation.

Darnold missed most of the first two games due to a glute injury suffered in the season opener. He returned to full practice earlier this week, and head coach Mike Macdonald said the quarterback looked "really good" and is ready to play. "Sam's going to play, and he's ready to go," Macdonald added.

The quarterback recalled fearing that the injury could end his season and affect his career, but his recovery timeline has improved significantly, according to the coach. Macdonald said he wants to see Darnold confident in his preparation and noted that the quarterback feels great.

Rodney Thomas II will start at safety for the third consecutive game, filling in for Okada, who is out with a hamstring injury. AJ Finley will replace Love, who is sidelined by a calf issue. Finley, an undrafted rookie signed from the Los Angeles Chargers, will make his first start after missing the previous season with an ACL tear.

Okada remains unable to practice, with his status described as "day-to-day." Nick Emmanwori, the team's third safety, is expected to see a larger workload after returning from ankle surgery. Rookie running back Jadarian Price, who started the first two games, is now fully participating after recovering from a chest and shoulder injury.