Seahawks star suffers a concerning injury just before the Divisional Round — and the 49ers suddenly have a huge advantage heading into the playoffs…1805
It seems neither the San Francisco 49ers nor Seattle Seahawks will enter Saturday’s divisional-round matchup at Lumen Field with zero injury concerns.
The 49ers lost Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle to a postseason-ending Achilles injury in last week’s win over the No. 3 seed Philadelphia Eagles.
The team has also been without star pass-rusher Nick Bosa and star linebacker Fred Warner for most of the season while also dealing with various injuries to several other key starters.
But now it’s the Seahawks turn to sweat it out a bit regarding one big potential injury.
“#Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has been added to the injury report with an oblique injury and is QUESTIONABLE for Saturday’s divisional round game against the 49ers,” the 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov wrote on X.
Darnold’s Status for Saturday is Up in the Air
Darnold’s inclusion on Thursday’s injury report indicates that he may or may not play.
However, the $100 million quarterback iterated to reporters that he intends to play, hinting Thursday’s development was simply precautionary.
“In routes on air, just kind of just felt a little something on that oblique, just didn’t want to push it,” Darnold told reporters. “Wasn’t the day to push it so that was it. So I just came inside, got some rehab and feel like I’ll be ready to go for Saturday.”
The 28-year-old Pro Bowler had the second-best season of his career this year, passing for 4,048 yards — the second 4,000-yard season of his career — along with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with a passer rating of 99.1.
Even if Darnold plays on Saturday, it would seem he will be less than 100% healthy, which could affect his mobility and his down-field passing given his injury is to the oblique area.
The Latest Fred Warner Injury Update
While the Seahawks worry about Darnold’s status, the 49ers have some pretty big injury news of their own — and for once, it could be good news.
Warner hasn’t played a snap since Week 6 when he suffered his dislocated ankle, but he could be nearing a potential return. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday on “The Pat McAfee Show” that Warner has been trying to persuade the team to let him play in Seattle.
“He’s pushing to play,” Schefter said. “He’s not given up hope yet. Kyle Shanahan was dismissive of the idea all week long, but Fred Warner doesn’t want to let it go. Here’s the deal: They have until Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Eastern to activate him.”
Despite Warner’s best efforts, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Thursday that Warner would remain inactive for the divisional round.
“49ers LB Fred Warner will not be activated off injured reserve ahead of Saturday’s game in Seattle for the divisional round, per HC Kyle Shanahan,” Schefter reported Thursday evening.
The 49ers also ruled out safety Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring), while wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) and linebackers Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quad) are both listed as questionable.
