Seahawks' Super Bowl Practice: A Backup QB Stepping In, But Should We Be Worried?
As the Seahawks gear up for Super Bowl 60 in San Jose, a curious situation is unfolding on the practice field. Normally, if your starting quarterback is sidelined and the backup is taking first-team snaps just days before the biggest game of the year, it would be a cause for major alarm. However, the Seahawks seem to be taking it all in stride, even with Sam Darnold still nursing an oblique injury.
Drew Lock, the team's veteran backup, has been getting reps with the starting offense during all three of the Seahawks' postseason game weeks. This isn't because of a strategic decision to give him extra work, but rather because Sam Darnold has been a limited participant in practice throughout this same period. It's a pattern that has continued into Super Bowl week.
But here's where it gets interesting... Darnold, a Pro Bowl quarterback, sustained the injury on January 15th while throwing during a practice session. This was just two days before Seattle's dominant 41-6 victory over San Francisco in the divisional playoffs. So, yes, veteran backup Drew Lock has indeed been taking snaps with the first-team offense during Super Bowl practice. This might sound alarming, but there's more to the story.
And this is the part most people miss... Darnold has been gradually increasing his throwing volume each practice day. He's also slated to start on Sunday, just as he did in the divisional playoff game against San Francisco and the conference title game against the Rams. Keep in mind, he played in those games after not throwing at all or throwing very little during the preceding practice weeks. It seems his recovery is progressing steadily.
Coach Mike Macdonald shared his optimism before Wednesday's practice, stating, "We’ll see (Wednesday). It’s definitely, gradually increasing by the day. Some days more than others." Darnold himself echoed this sentiment, explaining that the bye week between the conference championship and the Super Bowl, along with extra rest in San Jose, has his injured side feeling "really good." He emphasized his commitment to his rehab, saying, "I’m always going to take one step at a time. Do my rehab. Do everything I need to do to make sure it feels great going into practice, going into the game, obviously, on Sunday."
What about other key players?
Nick Emmanwori, a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was also limited in practice due to a newly reported ankle issue. Coach Macdonald highlighted Emmanwori's crucial role in the defense before he sustained the injury late in practice while defending a pass. The next steps for his recovery are still being determined.
Left tackle Charles Cross continues to manage a foot injury that he's been playing through during the playoffs. He was also a limited participant in practice, but he is expected to play on Sunday. Similarly, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defensive lineman Leonard Williams are also expected to play and opted to rest on Wednesday instead of practicing fully.
Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts is currently iffy for Sunday's game. He missed the NFC championship with a neck injury and was a limited participant in parts of practice. During his absence, team special-teams player Brady Russell has been filling in at fullback.
Now, let's talk about what this all means. Is it a sign of underlying issues for the Seahawks, or a testament to their depth and the resilience of their players? Could the team's ability to rely on a backup quarterback in crucial moments be a strategic advantage, or a ticking time bomb? What are your thoughts on how the Seahawks are handling these injuries heading into the Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments below!
