New Sam Darnold Injury Update, Timeline to Return amid Seahawks QB's 'Ramp Up' Period

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that starting quarterback Sam Darnold practiced on Wednesday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, and would "ramp up as the practice week goes along."

It remains to be seen, however, if Darnold will play in Week 3's matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Macdonald also noted that Darnold won't take every rep with the starters on Wednesday.

Darnold suffered a glute injury on the opening drive of Seattle's Week 1 win over the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. The Seahawks have little reason to rush him back and risk another injury, however, given that Drew Lock has been superb in relief duty.

The veteran backup has thrown for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 72.9 percent of his passes in parts of two games, both wins. He's also rushed for 13 yards.

"Really proud of Drew, really happy for him," Macdonald told reporters after Sunday's 31-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. "We're on the record in how we feel about him, so he just backed that up today. That's a 12-as-one thing, everybody having each other's back. You just couldn't be happier for the guy. We just love him. All the things we said about him throughout the week, that was real. That was from the heart. Really proud of the way he played today. He did a tremendous job."

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Lock showed plenty of chemistry with superstar receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who torched the Cardinals to the tune of nine receptions for 155 yards and three scores.

"We've been having a special connection for a minute now, but I'm super happy [for] the way he just came in and carried himself and carried this team," Smith-Njigba said of Lock. "He shows time and time again how good he is."

Macdonald has been resolute that once Darnold was healthy he would return to starting duties. But Lock has made it easy enough for the Seahawks to exercise patience in Darnold's recovery.