RENTON, Wash. — As the NFL season hits its stride in late September 2026, the Seattle Seahawks received a massive boost on Wednesday as starting quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice in a limited capacity, marking his first on-field work since suffering a glute injury in Week 1. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Darnold’s presence in full pads signals a significant step toward a potential Week 3 return, though the team may opt for caution given their early-season resilience.
Darnold Back Under Center
Darnold, who was acquired in the offseason to lead a revamped Seahawks offense, went down early in the season opener and had been sidelined for two weeks. His return to practice, even in a limited role, is a welcome sight for a Seattle squad that has weathered the storm behind backup Drew Lock. The Seahawks are set to face an 0-2 Washington Commanders team that will be without its own starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, making this an opportune moment for Seattle to regain momentum. Whether Darnold suits up on Sunday may hinge less on his health and more on the coaching staff’s risk tolerance, especially with a favorable matchup on deck.
Rookie Price Nears Return
Joining Darnold in full pads was rookie running back Jadarian Price, who is rehabbing a chest injury. Price, a dynamic playmaker out of Notre Dame, has yet to make his regular-season debut, but his limited participation suggests the Seahawks could soon have their backfield at full strength. The combination of a healthy Darnold and Price would add a new dimension to an offense that has relied heavily on Lock and the running back committee. As highlighted on Vulius, the team’s patience with Price’s recovery reflects a long-term vision for the rookie’s role in Seattle’s offensive scheme.
Secondary Shuffles: Emmanwori Up, Okada Down
On defense, second-year safety Nick Emmanwori was a full participant in practice, a promising sign after he played just nine snaps in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. Emmanwori’s versatility as a do-it-all safety is a key component of Seattle’s defensive identity, and his increased availability could bolster a secondary that has faced its share of challenges. Conversely, safety Ty Okada remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing practice once again. Okada has yet to appear in a game this season, and his absence continues to test the team’s depth. Defensive tackle Brandon Pili also did not practice as he works through concussion protocol following a hit in Arizona.
Other Notable Listings
Linebacker Ernest Jones made his first appearance on the weekly injury report with a neck injury, a situation worth monitoring given his importance to the Seahawks’ run defense. Meanwhile, veteran receiver Cooper Kupp was limited for the second consecutive week with a back injury. Kupp’s availability for Week 3 remains uncertain, but his experience and rapport with Darnold could be crucial if the quarterback returns. The full injury report, as compiled by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, is as follows:
- Sam Darnold, QB — Limited (Glute)
- Jadarian Price, RB — Limited (Chest)
- Nick Emmanwori, S — Full (Ankle)
- Ty Okada, S — Did Not Practice (Hamstring)
- Brandon Pili, DT — Did Not Practice (Concussion)
- Ernest Jones, LB — Limited (Neck)
- Cooper Kupp, WR — Limited (Back)
With the Commanders reeling and the Seahawks eyeing a statement win, Seattle’s injury report offers more hope than concern. Darnold’s return to practice is a critical first step, and if he can go Sunday, the Seahawks offense could finally click into high gear. For die-hard fans, the wait may soon be over. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates and official Seahawks merchandise to support your team.
“We’re taking it day by day with Sam,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “He looked good out there, but we’ll see how he responds.”
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