Sam Darnold
Quarterback #14
Sam Darnold News
Sam Darnold Ruled Out vs. Cardinals With Quad Injury
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (quadriceps) suffered a quad injury in the Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 8 and is now ruled out for Sunday's divisional contest versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Backup Drew Lock will make the start against Arizona. The 29-year-old Darnold also injured one of his ribs in the Monday night loss, so he is banged up and will miss at least one game. The next chance that Darnold will have to return will be on the road in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 15. It is no surprise that Darnold struggled against the upstart Bears on Monday, throwing for only 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 17-for-34 passing. Overall, the former first overall pick has not been as good in 2026 as he was in 2025, when he led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship. Darnold is currently the QB22 in overall fantasy scoring with 1,478 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his seven starts. Turnovers have been the biggest issue holding Darnold and the Seahawks' offense back. With Lock now set to start this weekend, Seattle could lean more on their fully healthy ground game.
Nov 4, 2026 9:10 AM EST
Sam Darnold a Streaming Option in Favorable Week 9 Matchup
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is a fantasy streaming option in Week 9 thanks to a very favorable matchup against Arizona. Darnold has underwhelmed most of this season, and he sits with a 60.2% completion mark across seven games played. He's thrown for 1,478 yards and 10 touchdowns, but also has nine interceptions. Darnold has 72 rushing yards on 11 attempts as well. He had 188 passing yards and two TD passes, but also threw a pick and completed just 50% of his passes in Week 8 against Chicago. Darnold is worth streaming in more fantasy leagues in Week 9 due to his stellar matchup against the Cardinals. Based on what we've seen from Darnold overall this season though, he's a more confident option in deeper leagues.
Nov 3, 2026 5:40 AM EST
Sam Darnold a Potential Streaming Option in Week 8
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a potential streaming option in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears' defense has been suspect at times this season, and Darnold seemed to be more under control in Week 7. The main factor holding Darnold back in fantasy throughout this season has been his turnovers. He has thrown multiple interceptions in three games, and he has thrown at least one interception in each game he has been healthy for. Darnold threw a red zone interception in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he played efficient, mistake-free football otherwise. It was an encouraging sign for his rest-of-season prospects. The Bears are No. 26 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy, allowing 19.88 points per game. Darnold should be able to deliver in the range of 250 passing yards and multiple touchdowns. He should outperform his ranking as QB22. Given the throws of bye weeks we find ourselves in, Darnold is a potential fantasy option.
Oct 31, 2026 2:21 PM EST
Sam Darnold Stays Sack-Free but Keeps Throwing Interceptions
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw a costly interception, his eighth across five consecutive starts, in the end zone shortly before halftime of Sunday's 20-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, despite going without a sack after being dropped 10 times over his previous two games. He remains a viable depth addition in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues ahead of Monday night's Week 8 matchup against the Chicago Bears, but his four touchdowns and six interceptions over his past four starts make him difficult to trust in standard one-quarterback formats. Otherwise it was an efficient performance, with 20 of 28 passing for 257 yards and a touchdown, a 28-yard scoring strike to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had another big afternoon with nine receptions for 150 yards, plus 17 rushing yards on two scrambles. He has now matched his interception total with eight touchdown passes, though four of those came in his 379-yard performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 3.
Oct 27, 2026 11:58 AM EST
Sam Darnold a QB2 in Week 7
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is best viewed as a QB2 in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are No. 4 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy, and Darnold has not exactly been a fantasy stalwart this season. Darnold has thrown seven interceptions in his last four games. He has tossed as many picks as touchdowns during this rough patch. The Chiefs are allowing just 224 passing yards and 0.8 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this season. They are also almost a shoo-in for recording an interception. If Seattle expects to win on Sunday night, it will have to come by riding Emanuel Wilson and the running game to victory. Additionally, this team will try to play good defense and control the game. Do not expect fireworks from Darnold this week as a result.
Oct 23, 2026 3:21 PM EST
Sam Darnold Blanked by Denver D
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold completed 27 of 51 passes for 278 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in Thursday's 17-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. He added 19 yards on two carries. Darnold was under duress all night, taking 17 hits and getting sacked five times. Thursday marked the second straight game Seattle allowed five sacks. It's a disappointing result for the veteran, as he couldn't get much going despite Denver missing its top corner, Patrick Surtain II (ankle). Darnold has now thrown two interceptions in three of his last four games, and his TD:INT ratio sits at an unsavory 7:5 through four full starts. Seattle will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a pivotal primetime Week 7 matchup.
Oct 15, 2026 8:47 PM EST
Sam Darnold Not a Starting Option in Week 6
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not a viable fantasy option in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Outside of a massive explosion in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, Darnold has not provided any QB1 value for fantasy. The Broncos' defense has not been the unstoppable force it has been in the past, but this game feels like it has the potential to be a low-scoring affair. Darnold tends to not make much noise in games in which he does not need to air it out much. Additionally, Darnold has been struggling of late. He has thrown five interceptions across his past three outings. If those trends continue, he is not a player you can trust in fantasy if he is constantly at risk of getting negative points. While Darnold's connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle) is special, there is not much else to like about Seattle's receiving corps. No one else is stepping up to earn Darnold's consistent trust, which caps Darnold's own ceiling on fantasy. Until he proves otherwise, Darnold is better left on your bench in Week 6.
Oct 14, 2026 2:27 PM EST
Sam Darnold a Risky Week 6 Streaming Option Against Denver
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold offers limited waiver-wire appeal heading into Thursday night's Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Darnold completed 18 of 29 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in Sunday's 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He was also sacked five times, continuing an inconsistent stretch since his four-touchdown, 379-yard performance against Washington in Week 3. Over his past two games, Darnold has thrown for just 363 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, while offering little production as a runner. The matchup isn't particularly inviting, either. Denver held Justin Herbert to 121 passing yards and forced an interception in its Week 5 victory over the Chargers. Darnold still has enough receiving talent around him to deliver an occasional strong fantasy performance, but his turnover issues and limited rushing contributions make him difficult to trust on a short week. Rostered in 50% of leagues, he is best viewed as a streaming option in 14-team formats or a depth quarterback in two-QB and superflex leagues.
Oct 13, 2026 7:10 AM EST
Sam Darnold a Risky Streamer in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a risky streaming option in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco is currently the No. 7 team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. Granted, this team has not exactly run the gauntlet of quarterbacks over the last three weeks. However, San Francisco's defense has played well for the most part this season. Raheem Morris is coaching this unit perfectly, and Darnold does not project to have a massive game. Darnold did not surpass 200 passing yards or throw a touchdown pass in either of his matchups with San Francisco during the 2025 regular season. This feels like a game in which Seattle will attempt to lean on its running game and defense, resulting in a lower-scoring affair. The 49ers are a dangerous team, but the Mike Macdonald-led Seahawks have had their number over the last two seasons. However, there is a world in which this game turns into a shootout, in which case Darnold could hold fantasy value. It is a risky proposition for fantasy managers, but consider Darnold a borderline top 15 option in Week 5.
Oct 9, 2026 3:01 PM EST
Sam Darnold Could Be a Top Quarterback Streamer in Week 5
Since returning from the hip injury that knocked him out of his team's season opener, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 547 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Darnold was not forced to throw much in Seattle's Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after the Seahawks opened up a big lead early in the game. However, the 29-year-old proved he can put up huge numbers when the game script calls for it, throwing for 379 yards and four touchdowns in Seattle's Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. In Week 5, the Seahawks could be forced into another high-scoring affair with the San Francisco 49ers. Particularly in deeper league formats, Darnold carries waiver-wire appeal as a quarterback streamer heading into Week 5.
Oct 6, 2026 12:51 PM EST
Sam Darnold a Potential Streamer in Week 4
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a potential streamer in Week 4 against a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has fallen short of expectations this season. The Chargers are allowing 244.7 passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. Darnold is fresh off a 379-yard outing in Washington and will return home with a need for a win. Darnold's chemistry with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undeniable. He should find JSN early and often. Given the Chargers' defensive woes, Darnold has a chance to toss a couple of touchdown passes as well. While he may not carry a massive ceiling, Darnold certainly enters this week with a nice floor. If you are reeling with quarterback injuries or poor play, you can turn to Darnold this week. Darnold is readily available on waivers and generally not considered a starting option, so you should be able to grab him and plug him in immediately.
Oct 2, 2026 8:49 AM EST
Sam Darnold Should Continue Delivering High Yardage and Touchdown Totals
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold returned from injury and played his first complete game of the season on Sunday. While Seattle lost, the outcome was even better than fantasy managers could have imagined. Darnold was quite busy through the air, completing 31 passes for 379 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The pair of turnovers may very well have been the difference between the Seahawks losing and winning, but from a fantasy perspective, they're a negligible blemish amid an otherwise dominant outing. Two of his four touchdown passes went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as the quarterback and receiver continue to show off one of the strongest rapports in the league. Darnold isn't a lock for four touchdowns every week, but he continues to have QB1 upside heading into Week 4 against the Chargers. As a result, he is a top quarterback target on the waiver wire in fantasy football.
Sep 28, 2026 6:17 AM EST
Sam Darnold Puts Up Big Numbers in Return to Action
After missing Week 2 with a glute injury, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold returned to action in a 33-31 Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. Darnold put up big numbers, as he completed 31 out of 45 pass attempts (68.9%) for 379 yards and four touchdowns, while adding one rush for five yards. However, he also threw two interceptions. Darnold scored 28 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues. Darnold suffered a glute injury on the first drive of the 2026 season opener, a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots. He missed the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, which the Seahawks won 31-7. While the Seahawks are relieved to have Darnold back in the starting lineup, it wasn't enough for Seattle to get a road win against the Commanders on Sunday.
Sep 27, 2026 5:17 PM EST
Sam Darnold a QB2 in Week 3
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) will return to the lineup in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Darnold was hurt on Seattle's first possession of the season, so he has only attempted two passes this year. However, Seattle has such a great offensive infrastructure in place that Darnold should be able to step back into the starting role with ease. He draws an easy matchup against the Commanders in Week 3. Washington is allowing 27.24 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. While Darnold does not figure to have a huge outing, he should be highly efficient and accumulate QB2 numbers. For now, he should only be considered in two-quarterback leagues. Do not be surprised if Seattle leans heavily on the running game while they ease Darnold into the 2026 season, limiting his upside in Week 3.
Sep 25, 2026 2:28 PM EST
Sam Darnold Set to Play in Week 3
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) is not listed on the team's final Week 3 injury report and will play on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, head coach Mike Macdonald told Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. Darnold suffered a unique glute muscle injury in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots and did not play in last week's blowout win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. With the 29-year-old former third overall pick returning to action, Drew Lock will return to the backup role in Seattle after he led the team to a 2-0 start in 2026. Darnold will now be back in play as a starter in two-QB superflex leagues in a great matchup. The Commanders are coming into this one with an 0-2 record while allowing just a hair over 30 yards per game in their first two contests against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Darnold has a pretty solid floor as a QB2 in fantasy with one of the best receivers in the game in his corner in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Sep 25, 2026 1:39 PM EST
Sam Darnold Says He's Pushing to Play Sunday
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) said Thursday that he is "striving to" return Sunday against Washington, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. Darnold admitted he feared the injury he suffered on Seattle's opening drive could be a long-term issue, but a CT scan helped ease those concerns after it ruled out a fracture. He missed last week's win over Arizona before returning to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Seattle plans to ramp Darnold up during the week and make a decision on his availability by Friday. Darnold is clearly pushing to play, but the Seahawks still want to see how he responds as the workload increases.
Sep 24, 2026 11:52 AM EST
Sam Darnold is "On a Good Track" To Return in Week 3
As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) is "on a good track "to return in Week 3 when the Seahawks face the Washington Commanders. Darnold exited the season opener in the first quarter with this injury and was unable to play in Week 2. However, the reigning Super Bowl champion appears to be recovering well and may miss only one game. He was a limited participant in practice, which is a positive sign that he is trending in the right direction. In his absence, the Seahawks have turned to Drew Lock to lead the offense. This past weekend, Lock was quite sharp against the Cardinals, going 19-for-26 with 235 passing yards and three touchdowns. If cleared to return, Darnold would carry high-end QB2 upside facing a struggling Washington secondary that has allowed a hefty 30.5 PPG over the first two weeks.
Sep 24, 2026 4:04 AM EST
Sam Darnold Being Ramped Up Ahead of Week 3
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) will practice Wednesday, but he won't take every rep as the team works him back in, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Seattle plans to ramp Darnold up throughout the week and would like to make a decision by Friday on whether he can play Sunday against Washington. Darnold injured his glute on Seattle's opening drive against New England and missed last week's win over Arizona. This is still encouraging progress after there was initially no firm timetable for his return. If Darnold isn't ready, Drew Lock would make another start after completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals. For now, Darnold's status remains something fantasy managers will need to follow through Friday.
Sep 23, 2026 11:41 AM EST
Seahawks Leaving the Door Open for Sam Darnold to Play in Week 3
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) continues to recover exceptionally well, and the team isn't ready to rule out him out for Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Darnold will return to practice on Wednesday, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com didn't shut down the possibility of Darnold playing this week. Specifically, he said that we may see Drew Lock at quarterback for one more game, but that it wasn't certain. The fact that the door is even somewhat open for Darnold to play this week is remarkable, given that he's less than two weeks removed from suffering a pulled muscle against the Patriots on the opening night of the 2026 NFL season. Right now, it seems like the safe bet would be that Darnold returns in Week 4. However, he's already so far ahead of schedule in his recovery that it wouldn't completely shock us to see him get ready in time for Week 3, either. Managers should stay tuned to the Seahawks' injury reports for more clarity.
Sep 22, 2026 8:25 PM EST
Sam Darnold on Track to Practice on Wednesday
The Tacoma News Tribune's Gregg Bell is hearing that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) is on track to return to practice on Wednesday. Head coach Mike Macdonald said after Sunday's Week 2 win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals that Darnold is ahead of schedule and has a chance to practice this week after suffering a unique injury to his glute in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots. If the 29-year-old returns to practice this week and looks good, he could be in line to be cleared to return under center for the Week 3 game this weekend in Washington against the Commanders. That would make Darnold a strong streaming option for fantasy managers after Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott just dropped four touchdown passes on the Commanders in a Week 2 win. With that said, Seattle will likely err on the side of caution with Darnold after backup Drew Lock has looked very adequate in leading the team to a 2-0 record in the first two weeks of the 2026 season. Lock threw three touchdowns to star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Sunday.
Sep 21, 2026 10:49 AM EST
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