# Seahawks and Commanders face off amid quarterback injuries

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sam-darnold-glute-injury-and-recovery
> Updated: 2026-09-24T16:00:01.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

The Seattle Seahawks enter their Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium with a 2-0 record. The game features significant quarterback instability for both sides. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is set to return to the starting lineup following a glute injury that sidelined him since the season opener. During his absence, backup Drew Lock led the team to victories over the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals. While some have suggested trading Lock due to his expiring contract and the presence of developmental player Jalen Milroe, others argue his recent performance makes him too valuable to lose.

Washington enters the contest with a 0-2 record and will start Marcus Mariota after Jayden Daniels suffered a left elbow dislocation. Despite early losses to the Eagles and Cowboys, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed confidence in Mariota, who has been named the team’s sixth captain for the game.

Seattle faces defensive absences with safety Ty Okada and nose tackle Brandon Pili listed as inactive. Washington’s secondary also faces scrutiny following poor performances by cornerback Mike Sainristil. Weather conditions for the Sunday kickoff are expected to be challenging, with forecasts predicting temperatures near 60 degrees, light to moderate showers, and wind gusts between 25 and 35 mph.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Sam Darnold cleared to return for Seahawks against Commanders

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is cleared to return this Sunday against the Washington Commanders following a glute injury, though the team will be without starting safeties Julian Love and Ty Okada.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-darnold-eyes-return-for-seahawks-following-glute-injury

### 2026-09-12: Sam Darnold diagnosed with glute injury after Seahawks season opener

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is reportedly dealing with a glute injury after being forced out of the season opener against the New England Patriots.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-darnold-diagnosed-with-glute-injury-after-seahawks-season-opener

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Cite as: Seahawks and Commanders face off amid quarterback injuries. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sam-darnold-glute-injury-and-recovery