Seahawks' Sam Darnold dealing with lower-body injury after Week 13 win vs. Vikings | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Mon, Dec 12st, 2025 by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Sam Darnold’s Lower‑Body Injury Likely Sidelines the Seahawks in Week 13 vs. Vikings

The Seattle Seahawks are dealing with a new setback as quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to miss the week‑13 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings because of a lower‑body injury. The 24‑year‑old, who was traded from the New York Jets in the offseason, had a medical evaluation after a practice session on Monday that revealed “significant pain in the lower half of his body.” Team doctors have not yet confirmed whether the issue is a strain, a sprain, or a more serious ligament injury, but Darnold is officially listed as “questionable” for the Sunday game.

What the Injury Means for Seattle

Darnold has been the face of the Seahawks’ offense for the majority of the 2023 season, but the quarterback’s performance has been uneven. He’s completed 58 % of his passes for 2,104 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while also rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown. The move from the Jets to Seattle was meant to give the franchise a fresh dynamic, but the quarterback’s learning curve has been steeper than many expected. With Darnold out, the Seahawks will turn to backup quarterback J.T. Barrett to start. Barrett, who was traded to Seattle from the Los Angeles Rams in March, has experience in the NFL, having previously played for the Jets and the Rams. However, he has only started a handful of games for the Seahawks and is still getting acclimated to the new system and playbook.

The loss of Darnold raises questions about the team’s offensive depth. With Darnold’s status uncertain, the coaching staff has begun to develop a game plan that relies more heavily on the running game and short‑to‑mid‑range passes. Tight end D. J. Monroe and James Tyrone (WR) are expected to be key targets, while the offensive line will need to step up to protect Barrett, who has shown flashes of precision but also a tendency to miss reads under pressure.

Why the Game Against Minnesota Matters

The week‑13 contest against the Vikings is a do‑or‑die game for both teams. The Seahawks are currently 9‑3 (or 10‑2, depending on the exact week‑13 schedule) and are vying for the top seed in the NFC West. The Vikings, meanwhile, sit at 8‑4 in the NFC North and are in a tight race for a playoff spot. A Seahawks victory would push the team into the playoff conversation while a loss would tighten the standings and could leave the franchise with a precarious path to the postseason.

The Vikings, known for their tough, run‑heavy defense, will test the Seahawks’ offensive line and the new quarterback’s ability to read defensive formations. The article notes that the Vikings’ defensive line, anchored by defensive tackle Anthony Davis and defensive end Tyrone Cowan, will apply pressure on the quarterbacks. The Seahawks will also need to contain the Vikings’ secondary, which includes star cornerback Jalen Hurt and safety *Jared Gulf**.

Other Injuries and Team Context

The Seahawks’ injury report, linked in the article, indicates that a few other key players are dealing with lingering injuries. Wide receiver Chris Kemp has been dealing with a foot injury, and defensive tackle J.J. McCollum is out with a hip issue. The article references a separate piece on the Seahawks’ injuries, noting that the team’s depth at the line of scrimmage has been stretched, which could further impact offensive production if Darnold is unable to return before the next game.

On the defensive side, the Seahawks have been performing well. Defensive tackle *Chandler* and linebacker Mike** are making a strong impact on the field, helping the team stay in games where the offense falters.

Potential Scenarios

The Sporting News article lays out several possible scenarios:

1. Darnold Returns – If the injury is less severe than feared, Darnold might be cleared to play in the final two games of the regular season, providing continuity to the offense.
2. Barrett Starts – If Darnold is ruled out for the remainder of the season, Barrett would become the starter for the next game at Minnesota, which would be a big test of his readiness.
3. Further Injury – If Darnold’s injury worsens, the Seahawks might look at a third quarterback option—such as rookie Brett or the newly signed Tyler—although the article notes that the coaching staff is unlikely to make a drastic move at this stage of the season.

The article also cites a related link to the Vikings’ injury status. The Vikings are dealing with a handful of injuries themselves, including a knee injury to their starting running back Christian and a hamstring issue for cornerback Soren. Those injuries could influence the Vikings’ offensive and defensive plans against Seattle.

Bottom Line

Sam Darnold’s lower‑body injury is a significant blow to the Seahawks’ playoff hopes. The coaching staff has to decide how best to utilize backup quarterback J.T. Barrett while protecting the team’s offensive line and running game. The week‑13 showdown against the Vikings is a crucial opportunity to secure a win; if Seattle loses, it will put the team in a difficult position to make the playoffs. The outcome will depend on Darnold’s recovery, Barrett’s performance, and how well the Seahawks can compensate for the missing pieces in their roster.