The Seattle Seahawks were dealt some very concerning news on Thursday, as star quarterback Sam Darnold popped up on the injury report with an oblique injury.
He was limited in practice to close out the week, and with Drew Lock taking the starting snaps, the concern only grew.
But, hours before the game, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed some very encouraging, but also bittersweet news on Darnold's status for this playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sam Darnold update is bittersweet news for Seahawks
"He's going to play," Schefter writes. "It's just that it's hard to know how much, if any, he'll be limited."
For starters, Schefter reporting that Darnold will play is some very welcome news. Darnold playing for the Seahawks is a big deal, even if he's not at 100 percent.
Lock isn't the worst backup quarterback in the NFL, but Darnold is a significant step up from Lock. Having the starter in the lineup is a big deal for the Seahawks.
But, Schefter also is reporting that Darnold might be limited. There's a chance he's not limited, but this report suggests that there's still a fear that the oblique issue will impact his playing ability against the 49ers.
While he might not be asked to do much if the Seahawks defense can shut down the 49ers offense, Darnold being limited would still make things tricky this weekend.
But, just the fact that Schefter is reporting that he's playing is a significant deal. Darnold is expected to play, and while it's far from ideal, the Seahawks quarterback should be on the field to begin the game barring any surprises.
The only question is just how healthy he'll be. Darnold might be very limited, or he might be almost as good to go as he could be. It's a tricky sutarion, but overall, some very welcome news as Darnold is set to play for the Seahawks in the Divisional round.
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