Seahawks’ Sam Darnold feeling ‘really good’ ahead of NFC Championship despite injury

It appears that Sam Darnold will be good to go for the NFC Championship game.

Darnold, who has been battling an oblique injury, has no game designation and told reporters on Friday that he is feeling ready to go to take on the rival Rams.

I feel really good," Darnold said, per ESPN. Feeling really good this whole week. I feel like the process is going right along where it should be, so I feel really good for Sunday."

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold walks on the field after NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. AP

Darnold, 28, initially suffered the injury to his left side during practice earlier this month and played through it during the divisional round, throwing for 124 yards - while completing 12-of-17 of his passes - with a touchdown in the Seahawks' 41-6 win over the 49ers.

The two-time Pro Bowler was limited in practice for all three days this week, a plan by the team to help him get ready for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that everything about Darnold's recovery process has gone according to plan.

The guys in the training room do a really good job with everybody, myself included," Darnold said. We're just taking it day by day and making sure I do all the things I need to do to get ready for Sunday."

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold reacts during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. AP

Seattle split its regular-season series with the Rams this year, with Los Angeles winning the November matchup 21-19 at SoFi Stadium and the Seahawks emerging victorious in a 38-37 overtime win during a Week 16 matchup.

The Seahawks are home for Sunday's matchup, and Darnold expressed his excitement for the famed atmosphere at Lumen Field.

It's going to be incredible," Darnold said of the atmosphere for Sunday's game. I don't know how you top last week, but I'm sure the 12s will. They always bring it for us, so we're excited for them."