Darnold Returns to Practice, but Seahawks Status Is Unclear

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will return to practice while recovering from a glute injury, but the team has not decided whether he will play Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday that Darnold would not take every practice repetition and that Seattle hoped to make a decision on his availability by Friday. The update follows Macdonald’s Monday statement that Darnold was expected to take part in practice in some capacity. At that point, the coach said the team would assess how much work the quarterback could handle during the week. Darnold’s participation is part of that evaluation, not confirmation that he has been cleared to play. Darnold was injured in Seattle’s September 9 season opener against the New England Patriots and left the game early. He missed the Seahawks’ Week 2 game at Arizona, where backup Drew Lock started. Seattle won both games, beating New England 13-10 and Arizona 31-7. Lock has taken over as the starter during Darnold’s absence. Macdonald said Monday that if Darnold is able to play, he will play, while describing Lock’s transition into the lineup as smooth.