0
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will miss another game after being ruled out of the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed on Monday that Darnold is still recovering from quad and rib injuries.
The decision means Drew Lock is expected to make his second consecutive start, although he is also managing an oblique injury and an elbow issue.
Seattle will travel to Las Vegas for the November 15 contest at Allegiant Stadium, with the Seahawks hoping to avoid another quarterback setback before their Week 11 bye.
Why Is Sam Darnold Ruled Out Against The Raiders?
Darnold suffered a quadriceps injury late in Seattle’s Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears.
He also sustained a cracked rib during the contest, with Macdonald revealing that the quarterback had been playing through the injury.
The Seahawks initially described his absence as week to week.
Darnold subsequently missed Seattle’s 17-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.
Macdonald confirmed that the quarterback needs more recovery time and will not be available against Las Vegas.
There is some encouragement for Seattle, however.
Darnold is making progress and could return after the team’s Week 11 bye.
The Seahawks are scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers on November 29, making that game a possible return target.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold ruled out for Week 10 game vs. Raiders; Drew Lock expected to start.
— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2026
Drew Lock Expected To Start Despite Injuries
Lock is set to remain Seattle’s starting quarterback, but his own fitness situation is worth watching.
He entered the Cardinals game dealing with an elbow problem and picked up an oblique injury during the contest.
Despite the issue, Lock completed 19 of 28 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown in the 17-3 win.
He also avoided throwing an interception.
Macdonald said Lock had a good medical examination and that the oblique injury was manageable.
The Seahawks will manage his practice workload during the week rather than expose him to every throwing session.
That approach should give Seattle a chance to prepare Lock while keeping rookie Jalen Milroe ready as the backup.
Could Jalen Milroe Get His First Opportunity?
Milroe remains an important part of the quarterback situation.
With both Darnold and Lock dealing with injuries, Seattle cannot afford to overlook its contingency plan.
Macdonald indicated that Milroe would continue to receive practice repetitions, including opportunities to handle the full workload.
Lock is still expected to start, but his fitness will remain a storyline throughout the week.
If he experiences a setback, Milroe could be called upon against the Raiders.
Sam Darnold Injury Update: Latest Return Timeline
Darnold’s potential return after the bye is the key date for Seahawks supporters.
Seattle faces the Raiders on November 15 before having a week off.
The 49ers matchup on November 29 is currently a possible comeback opportunity, although the team has not confirmed a return date.
Darnold has thrown for 1,465 yards and 10 touchdowns, with nine interceptions, across six appearances this season.
His availability will be important as Seattle looks to strengthen its position in the NFC West.
For now, the Seahawks must prepare for another week without their starting quarterback and trust Lock to lead the offence against Las Vegas.