The 49ers have been banged up all season, and that hasn’t changed entering their pivotal win-or-go-home NFC Divisional Playoff matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Lumen Field.
But Seattle, too, had a surprise name hit its injury report Thursday.
The Seahawks officially listed quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) as questionable entering Saturday’s game.
Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak shared with the media Thursday that backup quarterback Drew Lock got reps with the Seahawks’ starting offense.
However, Darnold, who told reporters he just wanted to play it safe after he felt “a little something in his oblique” during routes on air, is hopeful he’ll play.
“I feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday,” he said (h/t The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar).
Sam Darnold (oblique) said he felt something during routes and air and didn’t want to push it. Played it safe and got some rehab during practice. Says he plans on playing, tho.
“Feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.” pic.twitter.com/FLbU8KS4Tg
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) January 15, 2026
As far as the 49ers, nothing changes in terms of preparation.
“No, not at all. We wouldn’t change anything in the next couple days,” Shanahan told reporters after being informed about Darnold’s status. “I didn’t know that, but I’m definitely not going to think too much of it. But, if that happens, we’ll react accordingly which would still be the same football game.”
Darnold was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this season after throwing for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns in helping lead the 14-3 Seahawks to the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the postseason.
Darnold played one season with San Francisco in 2023, and now his Seahawks will face his former team in the most important game of their respective seasons thus far.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast