Sam Darnold injury update gives optimistic return timeline amid faster than expected recovery

Nairavoice | Sep 20, 2026 31m ago 156 0 1 min read

Sam Darnold injury update gives optimistic return timeline amid faster than expected recovery

The Seattle Seahawks are hoping to get quarterback Sam Darnold back sooner rather than later, but his status has been somewhat up in the air since suffering his injury in Week 1.

Darnold is dealing with a glute issue and the hope has been he would only miss a few games.

Well, it looks like he’s on track to do just that, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who reported that Darnold is recovering faster than expected and could be back at practice this coming week before returning to game action in Week 4.

Rapoport did not close the door on a Week 3 return, though.

“My understanding is he is recovering faster than anyone had anticipated,” Rapoport reported. “There is actually a pretty good chance that Darnold is back at practice in some form or fashion this week coming.

“Now, could he play Week 3? Possible, little bit of a stretch, but possible. Week 4 seems like the more likely target for same Darnold.”