Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold

Monday, November 9, 2:25 PM

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team thinks that quarterback Sam Darnold (quadriceps, ribs) will be able to play coming out of their bye in Week 11 to start on Nov. 29 at the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Gregg Bell. Macdonald said that Darnold's quad injury just needs more time to heal right now. Despite suffering a new oblique injury (in addition to right-elbow tendinitis), Drew Lock will start this Sunday at the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10. The 29-year-old Darnold injured his quad and suffered a few cracked ribs in the Week 8 loss to the Chicago Bears last Monday night, and he will end up missing two straight games before hopefully returning for a crucial divisional battle in Week 12. Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship last year in his first season with the team, but things have not gone as well for him in the first half of 2026, as the two-time Pro Bowler has nearly as many interceptions (nine) as touchdown passes (10) in his seven starts. He is floating around on the waiver wire in many single-QB leagues, and an upcoming matchup against San Francisco in Week 12 (if he is cleared to return) will not be a good time to use him while coming off multiple injuries.