The San Francisco 49ers’ defense and Robert Saleh might not have the opportunity to put the game in the hands of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.
Darnold was a late addition to the final injury report with an oblique injury. It felt like gamesmanship after the 49ers toyed with the idea that Fred Warner would suit up one week after watching games from the owners’ suites.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since injuring his oblique on Thursday. According to Schefter,
the Seahawks “believe, but don’t know, that he[Darnold] will be OK to start tonight’s game versus the 49ers. Backup Drew Lock took the reps the past two days and is ready if needed.”
Even if Darnold plays, he could be severely hindered if he’s asked to throw. These days, arm strength is generated from the ground up through torso rotation. It centers around your core, and that twisting motion quarterbacks use for rotational power involves their obliques.
Darnold being limited could compromise Seattle’s passing game. Darnold told the media he’s playing, as did the Seahawks head coach and offensive coordinator. Depending on the severity, we can expect Seattle to protect Darnold from a potential in-game flare-up, which would be the worst-case scenario for Darnold:
If Darnold can’t play, Drew Lock is Seattle’s backup.
If you’re Robert Saleh, you’re doing everything in your power to heat Darnold up. His decision-making was already questionable. Factor in him not wanting to get hit, and Darnold might be prone to one or two more mistakes than usual. It’ll come down to the 49ers capitalizing.
