The Seattle Seahawks received excellent news about starting quarterback Sam Darnold on Wednesday. Darnold returned to practice, putting him on track to return from a unique soft tissue injury against the Washington Commanders in Week 3. This is the news Seahawks fans have been waiting for since he was injured five plays into the regular-season opener.
Alternatively, the Seahawks have absolutely no reason to rush Darnold back. To say Drew Lock has been filling in admirably would be an understatement. Lock has been among the most efficient QBs in the NFL since replacing Darnold.
Now, there's no quarterback controversy in Seattle. Darnold is the unquestioned starter when healthy. But Lock's current performance gives the Seahawks the luxury of being
as cautious as possible with Darnold's return-to-play timeline.
Sunday's opponent is the 0-2 Commanders. They lost star quarterback Jayden Daniels to a serious elbow injury and will be starting veteran backup Marcus Mariota against the Seahawks. It feels like a game the Seahawks could win with Lock at quarterback.
You never want to underestimate any opponent. If the Seahawks feel Darnold has received 100% medical clearance, then he's the starter. But if there's any lingering doubt over Darnold's physical condition, Lock should start in Week 3.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Should the Seahawks start QB Sam Darnold in Week 3?
