With just four days left until Super Bowl LX, the football world is buzzing with anticipation—but one question looms larger than most: How will Sam Darnold’s oblique injury impact his performance on the biggest stage? While the Seattle Seahawks quarterback insists his injury is healing, the road to Sunday’s showdown against the New England Patriots hasn’t been without its twists and turns. And this is the part most people miss: Darnold’s recovery isn’t just about his health—it’s about how much he can push himself in practice this week, a detail that could make or break the Seahawks’ game plan.
In a recent update from San Jose, California, Darnold shared an optimistic outlook. ‘It feels really good,’ he told reporters on Wednesday, crediting the time off for aiding his recovery. ‘I’m taking it one step at a time, focusing on my rehab, and making sure I’m ready for practice and the game on Sunday.’ His coach, Mike Macdonald, echoed this sentiment, stating that Darnold is ‘in a great spot’ and making daily progress. But here’s where it gets controversial: While Darnold played through the injury in both playoff games—even throwing three touchdown passes in the NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams—his practice participation has been limited since the injury occurred on January 15.
Is limited practice enough for a quarterback heading into the Super Bowl? Some argue that Darnold’s performance against the Rams proves he doesn’t need full reps to excel, while others worry that reduced practice time could hinder his rhythm and chemistry with teammates. Macdonald admitted that Darnold ‘barely’ practiced the week leading up to the Rams game, yet he still delivered. But will that strategy work against a Patriots defense known for its adaptability?
The Seahawks arrived in the Bay Area on Sunday evening, sticking to their regular weekly routine with a workout on Monday and a day off on Tuesday. They’ll continue practicing at San Jose State University, with Macdonald noting that Darnold’s workload is ‘gradually increasing by the day.’ When asked about Wednesday’s practice, Macdonald remained cautious: ‘We’ll see how today plays out. I’m not entirely sure how many throws he’ll take.’
As teams prepare to release their first injury reports of the week, one thing is clear: Darnold’s oblique injury, though seemingly under control, remains a wildcard. Will it be a non-issue, or could it become the story of Super Bowl LX? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Darnold’s limited practice time will matter, or is his playoff performance proof that he’s ready for anything?
