Seahawks QB Situation Takes Another Hit With Latest Sam Darnold News

The Seattle Seahawks will have to wait a little longer to get their starting quarterback back on the field, as Sam Darnold continues working his way back from multiple injuries.

Darnold has already missed time after suffering a quadriceps injury and cracked rib during Seattle's Week 8 loss to the Chicago Bears. While there was initially some hope that he could return relatively quickly, the latest developments suggest the Seahawks will need to exercise additional patience.

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Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday that Darnold will not be available for Seattle's Week 10 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although the quarterback has been making progress, the coaching staff believes he needs more time before returning to game action.

"He's making progress. We're going to need some more time," Macdonald said when discussing Darnold's recovery.

The news is particularly frustrating for a Seattle team trying to build momentum during the second half of its season. The Seahawks managed to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 17-3 without Darnold in Week 9, but having their starting quarterback available remains important as the competition in the NFC West continues to heat up.

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There is some reason for optimism, however. Seattle has a bye in Week 11, meaning Darnold could potentially use that additional time to recover before the team's November 29 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Getting Darnold healthy for that divisional showdown would be a significant development for the Seahawks. Rather than rushing him back before he is ready, Seattle can give him additional time to recover and hopefully return closer to full strength.

Drew Lock is expected to remain under center against Las Vegas. However, his own health situation is becoming something to monitor. Lock is dealing with an elbow injury as well as an oblique issue, although Macdonald expects him to be available.

Jalen Milroe will once again serve as Seattle's backup quarterback, giving the coaching staff another option if Lock experiences any setbacks.

The Seahawks have already demonstrated they can win without Darnold, but his continued absence is far from ideal. With an important stretch of the schedule approaching, getting their starting quarterback healthy could make a major difference in determining how successful Seattle's season becomes.