Sam Darnold is officially OUT for Sunday’s pivotal NFC West showdown against the Arizona Cardinals, and honestly, the injury report dropped today like a lead balloon, leaving us all holding our breath for Drew Lock. Lock, who has been battling an elbow injury for the last three weeks and was inactive in the last two games, was once again limited in practice with that right elbow issue. If he can’t go, prepare yourselves, Emerald City, because second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe would be forced into his first NFL start, and that’s going to be as entertaining as it is stressful.
The QB Carousel Is Spinning, And the Dark Side Is Getting Darker
The quarterback situation alone is enough to make you pound the table. Darnold is a huge miss, but the fact that Lock is still battling that elbow injury means we’re really skating on thin ice. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Lock would start if he’s healthy enough, but “limited in practice” doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, does it? This NFC West clash is massive, and potentially throwing Milroe into the fire for his debut, against a division rival, is just… wow. This is not how you want to prepare for a must-win game.
And the hits keep coming, especially on the defensive side. Our “Big Cat” Leonard Williams was held out of practice with a stinger he picked up Monday night against the Chicago Bears. If he’s out, that’s a massive loss, especially for our run defense, which is already going to be tested. Nose tackle Brandon Pili also missed practice with a back injury, leaving us thin at a crucial position when we’re facing a red-hot running back in Tyler Allgeier. This is the ‘Dark Side’ defense we’re talking about, the one that got carved up for 34 points on Monday. We need these guys healthy!
O-Line Woes and Unexpected Silver Linings
The offensive line isn’t much better, sadly. Newly acquired star guard Quenton Nelson was limited with a knee injury, and backup Anthony Bradford was also limited. With Josh Jones poised to start another week at left tackle, more offensive line injuries are absolutely the last thing any Seahawks fan wants to see. We need protection, especially with the QB uncertainty.
There was a sliver of good news, though, because we’re taking it where we can get it: while wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was held out of practice and looks set to miss his second straight game, backup Tory Horton was a full participant with a hand injury. So, at least we have depth there. And on defense, Uchenna Nwosu, our edge rusher who missed last week, was limited with an ankle injury, and Nick Emmanwori was a full participant with a shoulder injury. Having those two back in form would be a massive boost for a defense that’s been reeling.
As for the Cardinals, their breakout receiver Michael Wilson was limited in practice due to rest and a rib injury. The dude broke two ribs and still put up 111 yards and a touchdown on eight catches against the Cowboys last week. Unbelievable. He might still play. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen was also limited with an ankle injury. And it looks like they’ll be without running back Bam Knight, Allgeier’s backup, due to a concussion. Funny enough, the Cardinals listed Jacoby Brissett as out for “rest,” which apparently means he got shipped off to the Baltimore Ravens. Imagine that!
This NFC West clash isn’t just another game. It’s a statement, and with all these guys banged up, we’re gonna need some absolute heroes to step up for the Emerald City this Sunday. Let’s get loud, Seattle, and hope for some magic. Go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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