The Seattle Seahawks will start backup quarterback Drew Lock in Week 9 after Sam Darnold was ruled out due to a quad injury, the team announced Wednesday. Lock, recovering from an elbow injury, will make his first start of the season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, with Jalen Milroe serving as the backup.
Darnold, who suffered the quad injury late in Seattle’s 34-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday, completed 50% of his passes for 147 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in that game. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Darnold’s status but did not specify a return timeline, stating he expects Darnold to recover "sooner than later."
Six NFL Teams to Start Backups in Week 9
The Seahawks’ quarterback situation reflects a broader trend across the league this season, as six teams prepare to start backup quarterbacks in Week 9 due to injuries. The following teams have announced their starting quarterbacks for the upcoming games:
- Philadelphia Eagles: Joe Milton will make his first career start against the New York Giants after Jalen Hurts was ruled out for the season with blood clots in both lungs. Tanner McKee, who started the previous three games, has been demoted to backup.
- New York Giants: J.J. McCarthy will start against the Eagles after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. The Giants previously started Jameis Winston for three games before trading for McCarthy.
- Baltimore Ravens: Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie, will make his first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars after Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley suffered injuries. Jackson missed three games with a high ankle sprain and returned before suffering a thumb injury, while Huntley tore his turf toe in his most recent appearance.
- Arizona Cardinals: Gardner Minshew will start against the Seahawks after being promoted to the top role following injuries to the team’s starting quarterback.
Seahawks’ Offensive Challenges Extend Beyond Quarterback
The Seahawks’ struggles this season extend beyond their quarterback position. In their Week 8 loss to the Bears, Darnold was sacked three times and suffered a cracked rib on the second play of the game. Macdonald described Darnold as "tough as nails" but acknowledged the team’s offensive challenges, stating, "Offensively, I feel like we couldn’t get anything going."
Lock, who has been managing an elbow injury, will attempt to stabilize the offense. Macdonald emphasized that Lock’s workload will be managed, stating, "He’s going to throw the ball throughout the week, but we’re just going to manage it. He’s not going to take 8,000 throws."
League-Wide Quarterback Injury Crisis
The NFL’s Week 9 quarterback carousel underscores the league’s ongoing injury crisis at the position. Multiple teams have cycled through multiple quarterbacks due to injuries, with some, like the Ravens, forced to start their third-stringer. The Eagles, Giants, and Cardinals have all made significant changes to their starting lineups, reflecting the volatility of the 2026 season.
Teams are adapting to these challenges with a mix of trades, promotions from within, and reliance on untested talent. The long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain, particularly as teams balance short-term competitiveness with the development of younger players.