The Seattle Seahawks might have avoided a worst-case scenario in their quarterback group as Sam Darnold remains sidelined with a quad injury and broken rib, while Drew Lock has a strong chance to recover from an oblique injury to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10.
Quarterback Plans for Week 10
Coach Mike Macdonald stated on his weekly radio show on Monday that Darnold will miss another week and that the team will approach their game against the Raiders with a similar plan to the previous week. Lock will operate as the starter with Jalen Milroe serving as the backup. Macdonald explained that Lock had a good medical examination on his oblique and that the issue is manageable as he prepares for his third start of the season.
Lock briefly went into the sideline medical tent during the victory over the Arizona Cardinals due to the oblique problem, which initially cast doubt on his availability for Week 10. He also managed elbow tendinitis leading up to the Cardinals matchup. Despite being visibly less than 100% healthy, Lock completed 19 of 28 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown, though the offense had a modest performance against a Cardinals defense that entered Week 9 with the fifth-worst defensive EPA/play in the league, as reported by NFL Next Gen Stats.
Following the game, Lock remarked on his physical state, “I was pressing to do everything I possibly could all the time, and [the fans] were able to pull me back a little bit. Jalen did a fantastic job throughout the week in practice filling in for me. It was a collective effort from everybody to get to Sunday, and shoot, here we are 17-3. Go Hawks.”
Darnold’s Recovery and Backup Options
Keeping Darnold out for another contest provides him with a free week to heal because the Seahawks have a bye following the Raiders game. This positions him to return for an important NFC West road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 29. Provided Seattle reaches that point without any setbacks, it presents a significant chance for the reigning champions to get closer to the division lead.
Lock holds a 2-0 record in his two starts this campaign, both against the Cardinals. He directed the offense effectively in Week 2 when the team scored 31 points against their division rivals and has met all expectations for Seattle. Nevertheless, this remains Darnold’s offense, and he is expected to return as the established starter after the bye week.
If Lock’s oblique or elbow issues prevent him from taking the field, Milroe is prepared for a chance to make his debut appearance of the season. The former third-round draft pick has not attempted a pass in his career but recorded three rushes for four yards in three appearances as a rookie in 2025. Additionally, the Seahawks maintain Adrian Martinez on the practice squad.
