Seahawks to start Drew Lock Sunday as Darnold misses game

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock will start Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals after Sam Darnold sustained a quad injury during Monday night's loss to the Chicago Bears. Lock, who is also managing a throwing elbow injury, confirmed during Thursday's media availability that he is prepared to step back into the starting role.

Darnold suffered the injury in Seattle's 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season, but his current setback forces the team to turn to Lock for the fourth time in his career with the franchise. Coach Mike Macdonald noted that Lock's elbow issue stems from a rainy practice session a few weeks ago. Lock reported that his arm is functioning much better than when he first took over for Darnold in Week 1.

Lock's previous stints with the Seahawks have been productive. He helped Seattle win its first two games of the season, throwing for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions before Darnold returned in Week 3. Right guard Grey Zabel praised Lock's consistency, noting that the offensive line does not notice a drop in performance when Lock is in the huddle. Zabel said Lock brings confidence and poise to the unit, describing him as the same human being regardless of his status on the depth chart.

The Seahawks are currently 4-4 and trail the San Francisco 49ers by two and a half games in the NFC West. The team is ranked 26th in the league in expected points added per play on offense. First-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who replaced Klint Kubiak, acknowledged that the season has been challenging but stated he knew the expectations were high when he accepted the position. Fleury said the roster has quality, even as the team navigates a mid-season slump.

Lock said the team has not shown signs of panic, though the players are motivated to prove themselves after losing three of their last four games. He described the current situation as an opportunity to fight through adversity and demonstrate the team's character. Lock, who turns 30 on Tuesday, is in a contract year and has started for three different NFL teams, including two stints in Seattle.

Lock expressed excitement about returning to the field after two weeks of limited throwing. He said he looks forward to getting into the huddle and working with his teammates. Milroe, the third-string quarterback, is expected to work with the starters this week, but Lock is in line for the start if he remains healthy.

The Seahawks host the Cardinals on Sunday at Lumen Field. Lock will aim to utilize his arm talent and quick decision-making within Fleury's offensive system, focusing on delivering passes rapidly rather than relying on deep, longer-developing plays. The team hopes Lock's presence can provide the urgency needed to keep pace in the NFC playoff picture.