Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said he is “really optimistic” QB Sam Darnold (oblique) “is going to be able to play” in the Divisional Round against the 49ers.
Macdonald adds that there is “a possibility the injury limits [Darnold] physically,” while adding that Darnold “is confident he’ll be able to operate normally.” Per The Athletic’s Mike Dugar, Macdonald “gave a non-answer” when asked if Darnold “threw during the walkthrough.” Macdonald’s obfuscatory responses make it difficult to assess the severity of Darnold’s injury, but we believe Darnold will play even if the oblique injury is bothering him on Saturday. The Seahawks enter their matchup with the 49ers averaging a below-average 62.5 plays per game, methodically picking up yardage while running out the clock. If they can control the game’s pace, they may be able to keep Darnold’s workload at a manageable, moderate level.