As the NFL playoff spotlight intensifies, all eyes in the NFC are turning to Lumen Field in Seattle, where the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks will host the surging Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, at 6:30 PM ET. The matchup promises fireworks: two NFC West rivals who split their regular-season series, each claiming a dramatic home victory, now colliding for a trip to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.

Adding drama to the narrative is the status of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who remains questionable with an oblique injury that has lingered since last week’s divisional round triumph.

Darnold, the veteran signal-caller who has revitalized his career in Seattle after stints with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers, suffered the oblique tweak during a routine Thursday practice session ahead of the Seahawks’ 41-6 demolition of the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoffs. The injury, affecting the muscles between the ribs that aid in twisting and throwing motions, immediately raised concerns.

Darnold was limited in subsequent practices, listed as questionable entering that game, yet he defied the odds by starting and delivering a clean, efficient performance—completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown, and a pristine 110.9 passer rating before exiting late with the blowout secured.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Darnold downplayed the severity while acknowledging the challenge. “I felt something pop during those throws to the receivers—no contact, just mechanics,” he explained. “But I pushed through Saturday, and honestly, I’m feeling really good now. The plan is to manage it smart this week—limit the throwing volume so I’m fresh for Sunday. I’ve got full confidence I’ll be out there letting it rip when it counts.” His head coach, Mike Macdonald, echoed the optimism but tempered expectations for practice participation. “Sam continues to get better every day,” Macdonald said after Wednesday’s session.

“He’s limited, as expected. We’re not going to have him throwing every ball every play this week—no need to risk anything. We have a clear plan to get him ready, and he’s bought in 100 percent.”

The Seahawks’ first injury report of championship week confirmed Darnold’s limited status, alongside other notable absences. Starting left tackle Charles Cross (foot), backup Josh Jones (knee/ankle), and rookie Amari Kight all missed practice, creating a potential crisis on the offensive line. Outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (hamstring), fullback Robbie Ouzts (neck), and guard Bryce Cabeldue (knee) were also limited. Backup quarterback Drew Lock took some first-team reps as a precaution, underscoring the Seahawks’ cautious approach. Despite the hurdles, Macdonald emphasized preparation over panic: “We’ve got depth, we’ve got a scheme that protects the quarterback, and Sam is tough.

He’ll be ready to attack.”

On the Rams’ side, the injury report appears relatively clean, with only minor concerns like safety Quentin Lake (illness), linebacker Byron Young (knee soreness), and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (shoulder) noted. Los Angeles, as the No. 5 seed, has already pulled off two road upsets—edging the Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime in the divisional round after a gritty wild-card win. Matthew Stafford, the veteran QB who led the Rams to a Super Bowl title in 2022, remains healthy and sharp, throwing for over 300 yards in the Bears victory.

The Rams’ defense, anchored by Aaron Donald’s successor and a revamped secondary, has been opportunistic in the playoffs, forcing turnovers at key moments.

This third meeting between the teams in 2025-26 carries extra weight. In their regular-season opener at SoFi Stadium, the Rams edged Seattle 21-19 in a defensive slugfest where Darnold threw four interceptions—three in the first half—before mounting a late comeback that fell short on a missed field goal. Seattle flipped the script in the rematch at Lumen Field, winning convincingly behind a balanced attack and a suffocating defense. Now, with home-field advantage and a raucous 12th Man crowd expected, the Seahawks enter as slight favorites, but the oblique injury adds uncertainty.

An oblique strain can limit torque on throws, potentially reducing velocity on deep balls or affecting Darnold’s ability to escape pressure—areas where the Rams’ pass rush, led by dynamic edge rushers, excels.

Darnold’s journey to this point has been one of redemption. After being labeled a bust early in his career, he rebuilt his stock through smart decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. In Seattle, under Macdonald’s innovative scheme blending West Coast principles with RPO elements, Darnold has posted career highs in completion percentage and yards per attempt. His “let it rip” mentality—embracing aggression while minimizing mistakes—has been a hallmark, even through pain. “Whatever happens, happens,” Darnold said recently. “I’m not holding back. This is the NFC title game—one win from the Super Bowl. You play through what you have to.”

For Seattle fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The franchise last reached the Super Bowl in 2014 (winning in 2013), and this group—bolstered by Kenneth Walker III’s explosive running (especially vital after reports of RB Zach Charbonnet suffering a season-ending ACL tear earlier in the week), a top-tier defense, and special teams prowess—feels poised to end the drought. Yet the oblique issue looms large. Medical experts note that oblique injuries often heal with rest, but in-season management involves anti-inflammatories, targeted rehab, and modified practice.

Darnold’s ability to play through it last week bodes well, but facing a Rams team that forced him into mistakes earlier this season tests his resilience.

Analysts are split on the outcome. Some point to Seattle’s home dominance (undefeated at Lumen in the playoffs this year) and defensive edge as decisive factors. Others highlight the Rams’ playoff experience—Stafford’s clutch gene, coach Sean McVay’s adjustments—and question whether a hobbled Darnold can exploit mismatches against a vulnerable Seahawks secondary if the line struggles. Betting lines reflect the tension: Seattle opened as 3-point favorites, with the over/under at 45.5, suggesting a competitive, potentially low-scoring affair.

As practice continues and final injury reports roll in Friday and Saturday, the football world waits. Will Darnold be limited to quick-game throws, or can he unleash the full arsenal? Can Seattle’s ground game and defense carry the load if needed? Or will the Rams capitalize on any hesitation to punch their ticket to Santa Clara?

One thing is certain: this NFC Championship will be defined not just by schemes or stars, but by grit, adaptation, and the ability to perform under pressure. For Sam Darnold, it’s another chapter in a career of comebacks—proving once more that when the lights are brightest, he’s ready to let it rip, oblique or no oblique.

In a league where health often decides destiny, Seattle’s faithful can only hope their quarterback’s optimism translates to the field. Kickoff approaches, and the path to Super Bowl LX runs through Lumen Field—one potentially painful throw at a time.