Drew Lock Expected to Start at Quarterback for Seattle Seahawks Against Arizona Cardinals
Backup quarterback Drew Lock is expected to start under center for the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, stepping in while Sam Darnold recovers from quadriceps and rib injuries. Lock said Thursday that his right elbow, which kept him sidelined and limited him to emergency third-string duties over the previous two weeks, has improved significantly.
“Va bien”, Lock said Thursday, expressing enthusiasm about returning to the field after being limited to individual drills during recent weeks. “Estoy emocionado por volver al terreno de juego. Fue una gran sensación volver a colocarme bajo el centro y lanzar algunos pases ayer. Me siento bien”.
Elbow Recovery and Practice Workload for Lock
Lock first appeared on Seattle’s injury report on October 11 due to an elbow issue sustained during a wet practice session, according to coach Mike Macdonald. Although Macdonald noted that the team would monitor Lock’s throwing workload during practice and prepare third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe for potential action, Lock stated he anticipates taking all practice reps through the remainder of the week.
During the previous two games, Lock’s throwing was restricted solely to individual sessions. He did not participate in pregame warm-ups on the field ahead of either matchup, leaving active duties to Darnold and Milroe. Lock acknowledged that his elbow would not have allowed him to start had Darnold been forced to miss those contests.
This weekend marks Lock’s second time leading the Seattle offense this season. He previously handled the bulk of snaps during the opening two games after Darnold sustained a glute injury on the fifth play of the season opener. Across those early victories against the New England Patriots and the Cardinals—including a 31-7 win in Arizona—Lock completed nearly 73 percent of his passes with four touchdowns, zero turnovers, and an 82.5 Total QBR.
Sam Darnold Evaluating Injuries After Chicago Loss
Darnold’s absence stems from injuries sustained during Seattle’s 34-17 defeat against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, a result that dropped the defending Super Bowl champions to a 4-4 record. Macdonald announced that Darnold suffered a quadriceps injury late in the game as well as a cracked rib resulting from a blitz hit by Chicago cornerback Kyler Gordon on the second play of the game against Chicago.
Macdonald confirmed that Darnold’s status will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis and that Darnold will not be placed on injured reserve. Lock praised his teammate’s toughness following the Monday night loss, noting that Darnold’s willingness to play through physical pain demonstrated his commitment to the franchise.
“No sabía el alcance exacto, pero tras haber compartido toda una temporada y haberlo observado de cerca en la mayoría de los partidos, me di cuenta bastante pronto de que le estaba causando molestias”, Lock said of Darnold. “Fue un auténtico guerrero al seguir jugando a pesar de eso; me quito el sombrero ante él”.
Kickoff and Division Implications in Arizona
Sunday’s matchup is against divisional rival the Arizona Cardinals. Team medical staff will have final authority over any limitations placed on Lock’s throwing regimen leading up to kickoff.
Seattle takes the field against the Cardinals on Sunday.
