Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak declined to answer questions about quarterback Sam Darnold following potentially earth-shifting news that Darnold may not be able to play in Saturday’s divisional round game due to an oblique injury.
Kubiak said Thursday he would defer all questions from reporters to head coach Mike Macdonald, but Darnold said it was nearly 0% chance he would not play.
Kubiak did, however, discuss the team’s backup quarterbacks, in case Darnold can’t go, and their progress ahead of the Week 18 rematch with the San Francisco 49ers. Seattle’s primary backup is veteran Drew Lock, with rookie Jalen Milroe serving as the third-string option.
"We had a really good practice," Kubiak said. "Drew got some reps in there and did a really good job. A lot of confidence in Drew. (He's) been really impressive throughout OTAs and training camp and in his role. Started... 28 football games in the league."
When referring to Milroe, the former Alabama quarterback selected in the third round, Kubiak emphasized the words “growth” and “development” in describing the young passer, noting that his opportunity will come in time.
MORE: Seahawks' Sam Darnold isn't completely ruling out missing playoff game after injury
In the midst of the playoffs, Kubiak also completed six head-coaching interviews during Seattle’s bye week.
“They were good conversations,” he said. “Very flattered for that opportunity. But we’ve worked our entire season, our whole lives for games like this. This is the most important thing.”
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