After fighting through an elbow injury, the Seattle Seahawks’ beloved backup signal caller will fill in for the Sam Darnold after the latter’s own injuries have forced him out. Drew Lock will make his second start this season, taking on the Arizona Cardinals once again. But the mystery of the elbow injury has now been solved, per Tom Pelissero.
Lock’s availability was also somewhat in question this week, due to the tendinitis issue, but he apparently looked good enough in limited practice appearances to lead Seattle into a Week 9 divisional matchup.
Lock made two appearances to start the season, posting a 127.3 passer rating (would lead the NFL if he had enough throws to qualify), 73% completion rate, 422 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The hot start, coupled with turnover struggles from Sam Darnold, have had some fans clamoring to leave the backup inserted as the starter. A strained quad for Darnold will cause this idea to come to fruition for one week.
The Arizona Cardinals defense has allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points to the QB position, so it will be interesting to see if big Lock lights it up again. Will the Seattle decision makers choose to ride the hot hand if the offense looks effective again, against a low-end opponent? Those are questions for another day.
Seahawks sophomore QB, Jalen Milroe will serve as backup at Lumen Field on Sunday. Given that Lock is still dealing with “severe tendinitis” that stopped him from even throwing at times over the last couple of weeks, the developmental 3rd-stringer should be mentally prepared to play, if need be, as well.
The Cardinals will roll with another passer with Seattle ties, Gardner Minshew II, making this a duel of backup quarterbacks.
