No, the Seahawks Should Not Play Sam Darnold in Week 3

Sam Darnold could come back soon, but the Seahawks don't need to rush it.

by Bryce Lazenby

Sep 22, 2026

Sam Darnold could come back soon, but the Seahawks don't need to rush it.

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold went down at the beginning of Week 1 against the New England Patriots.

The Seahawks went on to win that game regardless, as the elite defense and solid play of backup Drew Lock were more than enough. Then in Week 2, the Seahawks destroyed the Arizona Cardinals without Darnold.

It’s obvious that the Seahawks are better with Darnold- the quarterback has more wins than anybody over the last two seasons. But, it’s nice to know that Lock is a perfectly capable backup.

Darnold is expected to miss a couple of weeks, but the reports keep getting more and more positive. On Tuesday, it was even revealed that Darnold has “a chance” to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 3.

That’s exciting, but there’s no reason for the Seahawks to even risk bringing Darnold back too soon.

Seahawks Can Beat Commanders Without Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Let’s be honest- if Lock can beat the Patriots and Cardinals, he should be able to take down the Commanders. It’s the NFL, and anything can happen, but the Seahawks are clearly talented enough to win another game without their star passer.

Lock has been extremely efficient, and he’s avoided mistakes. Just managing the game should be enough to win, considering how elite this defense is.

Plus, even if the Seahawks were to start Lock and lose, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Losing one early-season game and then having Darnold back for the rest of the season would be worth it. What good would it do to beat the Commanders but risk Darnold aggravating something?

Commanders Won’t Have Their Starter, Either

Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) leaves the game with an apparent injury to his left arm during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Commanders won’t be playing at full strength, either. Jayden Daniels suffered an elbow injury in Week 2, and it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return. We know that Marcus Mariota will start in Week 3 against the Seahawks.

Do the Seahawks really need Darnold to come back to beat a Mariota-led Commanders team? I don’t think so. Let Lock get some more reps and play in one more game before giving the reins back to Darnold.

I know fans and the team want to win every game, but long-term plays are important when you have a ceiling as high as the Seahawks do.