Is Sam Darnold Injured? Latest Injury Update for Seahawks QB vs. Patriots in Super Bowl 2026

Fresh off a three-touchdown performance in the NFC Championship Game, it's shocking that we still need to dive into an injury update on Seahawks QB Sam Darnold's injured oblique. However, ahead of Seahawks vs. Patriots in Super Bowl 2026, questions persist.

We're having a look at a Sam Darnold injury update and betting impact with his Seahawks listed as a 4.5-point betting favorite for Super Bowl 60 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock) on Sunday, Feb. 8.

🩼 What is Sam Darnold's injury?

Darnold first landed on the injury report with an oblique injury ahead of the Seahawks' Divisional Round matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. He didn't throw for a couple of days leading up to the game, and his availability was reportedly in question. He played, but in the rout, he only threw 17 passes. 

He followed that up with a couple of limited practices ahead of the NFC title game and was removed from the injury report. He tossed 36 passes, completing 25 of them for 346 yards and three touchdowns. If the oblique was limiting him, it certainly didn't show through (although the heating pad and grimacing might indicate otherwise).

🟢 What are the Seahawks saying?

There haven't been injury reports yet, but when the projected injury report drops, it would be shocking to see Darnold listed as anything more serious than limited. Being removed from the injury report ahead of the NFC Championship Game would certainly suggest the QB is on the way to full health.

Head coach Mike MacDonald's initial comments to the media didn't focus on the injury going forward, but just praised his quarterback. One of his few comments was simply: "Sam is gonna be sore." 

🗣️ What is Sam Darnold saying?

Straight from the man himself, who was seen grimacing and having a heating pad in the tilt with the Rams, Darnold seems unconcerned about the oblique. He was asked about it, and limited practice reps in the lead-up to the two playoff games, and seemed totally cool about the whole situation. Darnold said that playing through the injury felt fine and that he wasn't at all concerned about the limited reps. 

💰 How to bet on Sam Darnold injury

You almost need to take no action different than normal to handle the Darnold injury, unless things change in the two weeks leading up to the Big Game. There's maybe one consideration, and depending on how things progress even that might not matter - Darnold looks and sounds like a man ready to lay it all on the line. This seems like nothing more than a pain management issue at this point, and in the Super Bowl, that will be managed with every path available.

• Sam Darnold rushing attempts/rushing yards: If this is pain management only, well, the Patriots defensive front hits guys hard. Perhaps that limits how often Darnold is willing to push things forward on his own.

❓ Super Bowl 2026 FAQs

Who is the Super Bowl favorite?

The Seattle Seahawks are the Super Bowl odds betting favorite heading into the Big Game against the New England Patriots. 

When will the 2026 Super Bowl be played?

Super Bowl 60 will be played on Feb. 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Where will the 2026 Super Bowl be played?

The 2026 Super Bowl will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

How to watch Super Bowl 2026

NBC will broadcast Super Bowl 60 nationally at 6:30 p.m. ET.