The Seahawks have ruled quarterback Sam Darnold out for Sunday’s contest against the Cardinals, head coach Mike Macdonald announced Wednesday.
Macdonald said Darnold also suffered a cracked rib in Seattle’s first offensive series in their Week 8 loss to the Bears on Monday, but the quad issue suffered late in the game is what will sideline him in Week 9.
Darnold is week-to-week but will not be placed on injured reserve, per Macdonald. There is a possibility he plays in Week 10 against the Raiders before the defending Super Bowl champs’ bye in Week 11.
Drew Lock will get the start in Darnold’s place, which will mark his second start of the year after Darnold suffered a glute injury in Week 1 against the Patriots.
Lock had been serving as the emergency quarterback behind Jalen Milroe for the past two weeks after suffering his own injury to his right elbow. Per Macdonald, Lock was hurt during a practice in the rain a couple of weeks ago and hasn’t done a lot of throwing since then.
Milroe will back up Lock and will also get reps in practice in case Lock’s elbow issue persists. In his first start of the year against the Cardinals in Week 2, Lock threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-7 win.
“We have full confidence in those guys and will have a plan in place,” Macdonald said.
Should the need present itself, Macdonald said, the team could also bring in another quarterback for roster depth before Sunday.
Monday night’s loss to Chicago dropped Seattle to 4-4 on the season, placing them tied for second in the NFC West with the Rams.
