Seahawks expect QB Sam Darnold to be back at practice this week

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expects Sam Darnold to return to practice this week, but the quarterback's status for this weekend's game against the Washington Commanders remains uncertain.

Darnold sustained a glute injury on the first series of Seattle's season opener against the New England Patriots. Drew Lock took over and helped the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory, then started Sunday's 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

There was no timeline announced for Darnold's return, but it appeared he could be back soon.

“Right now, the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity and we’ll go from there,” Macdonald said Monday. “How much? We’ll see from here to Wednesday on what that number is but right now that’s the goal.”

Lock completed 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns — all to Jaxon Smith-Njigba — against the Cardinals.

As of Monday, the Seahawks hadn't determined how much work Darnold would get in practice ahead of the game at Washington.

“Obviously this week is a little bit different with Sam’s situation being a little more up in the air going throughout the week,” Macdonald said. “So this is a little different approach in terms of our process about how we’ll handle our preparation throughout the week.”

In the opener, Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown, also to Smith-Njigba. Lock has not committed a turnover.

Macdonald said the transition to Lock has been smooth. The 29-year-old has mostly served as a backup since 2021 and saw little action last season as Darnold led Seattle to the Super Bowl title.

“I didn’t sense much difference in the attitude or the emotion of the team last week. Which is a tremendous compliment to Drew. The things he’s been able to do, day-in and day-out, the types of practices and type of football he’s played out on the practice field throughout training camp, throughout his opportunities in the preseason, I sense a lot of confidence in what he brings to the table,” Macdonald said.

While the connection between Lock and Smith-Njigba has sparked the offense, Seattle's defense has remained its biggest strength.

Seattle shut down Arizona's run game, with rookie Jeremiyah Love managing just 29 yards on nine carries, and pressured quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who finished 17 of 28 for 95 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals were held to 151 yards of total offense. The Seahawks have never lost when holding an opponent to 151 yards or fewer.

The Seahawks' tight end play could use a boost. AJ Barner had one catch for 8 yards and ran for a 1-yard touchdown. Veteran Eric Saubert had a catch for a loss of 10 yards.

Emanuel Wilson gained 92 yards on 21 carries, a 4.4-yard average. He was especially effective in the second half, with 15 carries for 71 yards.

DL Brandon Pili suffered a concussion against the Cardinals. RB Jadarian Price left in the second half with a chest injury, but X-rays were negative. Price ran for 52 yards on 13 carries before he was hurt.

12 — Seattle's current winning streak, including playoffs. That's the longest in franchise history.

The Seahawks visit the Commanders and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota. Jayden Daniels is out with an elbow injury.

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold turns with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, (14) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'mont Jones, behind, during the first half an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock looks to throw against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, left, walks the field during warmups before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

DETROIT (AP) — River Ryan was outstanding in his Detroit debut and the Tigers hit three home runs to rout the Washington Nationals 9-2 on Monday night, one day after being eliminated from the American League playoff race.

Ryan, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tarik Skubal trade, pitched three scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Ryan is expected to start again in the season finale Sunday — the day after Justin Verlander is scheduled to make his final major league start.

Keider Montero (10-9) pitched four scoreless innings in relief of Ryan.

Washington starter DJ Herz (0-1) made his first big league appearance in nearly two years. Herz, who had Tommy John surgery in April 2025, pitched four innings, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four.

The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first. Gleyber Torres walked, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a ground-rule double from Hao-Yu Lee. After Herz got the first out, Eduardo Valencia singled to left field, with Lee scoring when James Wood misplayed the ball for an error.

Javier Báez made it 4-0 in the fourth, hitting his third homer of the season over the Tigers bullpen in left to bring home Dillon Dingler.

Detroit added five more runs in the fifth, three on Ben Malgeri's fourth homer and two on Spencer Torkelson's 25th.

That made it 9-0, but Yohandy Morales hit a two-run homer to get the Nationals on the scoreboard in the eighth.

The Tigers announced before the game that, due to a bank merger, Comerica Park will be known as Fifth Third Park starting in 2027. That's the same name as the stadium for the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit's Triple-A team.

The teams continue their three-game series Tuesday, with Detroit RHP Drew Anderson (5-6, 3.62 ERA) facing LHP Jackson Kent (1-4, 6.40).

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero (54) throws against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers pitcher River Ryan throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers' Eduardo Valencia hits a double against the Washington Nationals during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers' Ben Malgeri hits a three-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Tigers pitcher River Ryan throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)