Seahawks' Jalen Milroe predicted for surprising role in 49ers playoff game after Sam Darnold injury news

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Billy Heyen
Seahawks' Jalen Milroe predicted for surprising role in 49ers playoff game after Sam Darnold injury news image

The Seattle Seahawks got unexpected injury news on Thursday when Sam Darnold was added to the report as questionable with an oblique issue.

Darnold has said he'll play Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC's Divisional Round, so that might alleviate the concern.

It didn't stop ESPN from thinking that Darnold's injury could impact the game at least a little bit.

In a breakdown of the matchup, ESPN's Ben Solak has predicted that rookie QB Jalen Milroe will run in a touchdown from close range.

Milroe isn't even Darnold's direct backup. That's Drew Lock, who would start if Darnold somehow couldn't.

The rookie Milroe has been QB3 this season out of Alabama. He's got a strong arm and great running ability, but the Seahawks have used him sparingly.

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Milroe has been given three carries this season, and that's it. They have gone for 3, 1 and 0 yards.

It wouldn't be shocking to see there be a Milroe package this weekend, though. The Seahawks had their bye week to cook up new ideas.

Besides, these teams just played in Week 18. There won't be a lot of secrets. So if Seattle could install something that San Francisco hasn't seen yet, that could be quite beneficial.

Milroe runs like a power running back with the football in his hands. If the Seahawks choose not to risk a potentially immobile Darnold in a key spot, maybe it leads to a huge chance for Milroe to deliver on a big stage.

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