# Darnold nears return from glute injury

> Seahawks QB Sam Darnold could play Sunday after limited practice return
- Title: Darnold nears return from glute injury · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold could play Sunday after limited practice return Darnold is on a good track to return from glute injury but may miss one week
- Keywords: sam darnold, seahawks, seattle, nfl, glute injury, mike macdonald, drew lock, commanders, sports, Darnold, nears, return
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-macdonald-says-sam-darnold-is-on-a-good-track-to-return-from-his-glute-injury
- Published: 2026-09-24T13:26:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sam darnold, seahawks, seattle, nfl, glute injury, mike macdonald, drew lock, commanders, sports
## Darnold returns to practice
Sam Darnold returned to limited practice Wednesday after missing most of the first two weeks due to a glute injury

> I don't know what 'fully healthy' means
## Coach hopeful about return
Head coach Mike Macdonald says Darnold is getting close to returning but not fully healthy

> I think we'll make a decision at some point before Friday's over
## Potential one-week absence
Darnold might miss only one week before returning Sunday against the Commanders
## Backup QB excels
Drew Lock completed 35 of 48 passes for 422 yards and four touchdowns in Darnold's absence
## Coach on return timeline
Macdonald says Darnold's return depends on feeling good enough to play, not risk of worsening injury

> But really it's a function at this point of does he feel good enough to play
## Key takeaway

Darnold is on a good track to return from glute injury but may miss one week