Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been added to the team's injury report on Thursday with an oblique injury and officially is questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the 49ers.
Darnold, however, told reporters after practice that he expects to play and that there was "close to a zero-percent chance" he won't suit up this weekend.
"I felt a little something in my oblique," Darnold said. "Just didn't want to push it, wasn't the day to push it. That was it. Just came inside, got some rehab and feel like I'll be ready to play Saturday."
Darnold was seen using a Theragun on his side during Thursday's practice, presumably to treat the injury, telling onlookers: "Nothing to see here," per the Tacoma News Tribune.
Backup quarterback Drew Lock received some first-team snaps on Thursday in Darnold's absence.
The 28-year-old Darnold hasn't missed a game since the 2023 season, starting all 17 regular-season games for Seattle this season. He last landed on the injury report back in Week 9 with a chest injury but was a full participant in that week's practices.
The Pro Bowl QB has had a strong first season in Seattle, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, leading the Seahawks to the top overall seed in the NFC playoff bracket.
Other than Darnold, the Seahawks are mostly healthy. The only other player with a game designation is offensive tackle Josh Jones, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The Seahawks split their two meetings with the 49ers this season, losing in Week 1 in Seattle but winning the rematch in Santa Clara in Week 18 to claim the NFC West crown and the top seed.
