Drew Lock returns to Seattle starting lineup after Darnold's quad injury
The Seahawks' quarterback will make his fourth career start for the team on Sunday, aiming to stabilize an offense that ranks 26th in the league.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Drew Lock will start for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, returning to the quarterback position after a two-week absence from the lineup. This change places a veteran back in the huddle for a team currently struggling to maintain its playoff position. Lock faces the Arizona Cardinals at home, a matchup he previously won during his initial stint as the starter this season.
The decision to turn to Lock follows a Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears, where Sam Darnold suffered a quad injury. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Lock is the designated starter for the upcoming game. Lock has been managing a throwing elbow injury sustained during a rainy practice session several weeks ago. He described his current physical state as much improved compared to the previous two weeks.
Lock’s previous performance with Seattle set a high bar for his return. During his first two starts this season, he threw for 422 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Those performances helped the Seahawks win their first two games. Since Darnold returned in Week 3, the offense has shown volatility, ranking 26th in the league in expected points added per play. The team has lost three of its last four games, leaving it in eighth place in the NFC.
The offensive unit has found its most consistent success when the quarterback throws quick passes. In a recent victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Darnold completed 20 of 28 passes for 257 yards. That game demonstrated the effectiveness of the system designed by first-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. Fleury, who took over after Klint Kubiak left for the Las Vegas Raiders, admitted the learning curve has been challenging. He noted that he did not expect an easy transition given the high expectations surrounding the roster.
Lock believes the team’s recent struggles provide a necessary test. He stated that the adversity allows the group to prove its character and fight through difficulties. He emphasized the need to play with confidence and poise, qualities that offensive line right guard Grey Zabel said Lock brings to the unit. Zabel noted that Lock’s presence offers a stable leadership core for the offense, regardless of the personnel around him.
Lock is in a contract year, a factor that adds weight to his upcoming performance. He turned 30 on Tuesday and has been in the league since being drafted in 2019. His journey includes stints with the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, where he has now made three career starts. Lock expressed gratitude for his current situation, noting the rarity of being a starting quarterback with a family at this stage of his career.
The Seahawks trail the San Francisco 49ers by 2.5 games in the NFC West. With the season entering its second half, the team needs immediate improvement to stay competitive. Lock said he is prepared for the role and looks forward to throwing the football in a game setting. He indicated that he will take every available practice repetition to regain full rhythm before Sunday.
Milroe, the third-string quarterback, is expected to work with the starters this week alongside Lock. Macdonald said the plan is to have Lock lead the offense on Sunday. The team’s ability to stop its recent slide will depend on Lock’s ability to execute the passing game effectively against Arizona.
