The Seattle Seahawks have made a strong statement this season, finishing the regular campaign with a 14-3 record. This impressive performance secured them the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye for the playoffs. As they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round on Saturday, there’s a growing concern about their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold.

Darnold recently added an oblique injury to his list of challenges, making him questionable for the game. Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the situation during a press conference, stating, “It’s a walk-thru tempo. So, it’s part of our plan right now on how we handled today.” If Darnold is unable to play, backup quarterback Drew Lock will step in.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Darnold hasn’t thrown a ball since Thursday. However, Lock has been preparing for the possibility of stepping into the spotlight. Schefter noted, “He had a great practice,” adding that Lock is ready to go if needed.

Lock’s recent season has been limited, as he only appeared in five games, completing 2-of-3 passes for 15 yards. Despite this, his NFL career has been marked by significant contributions. Over seven years in the league, he has started 28 games, completing 578 passes for 6,369 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions.

While all signs suggest that Darnold will start, the question remains whether he can remain in the game for the entire duration. Regardless of who takes the field, Natalie Lock, Drew’s wife, has made her feelings about Seattle clear.

Natalie Lock has repeatedly expressed her love for the city. In a post before the playoffs began, she shared her thoughts on returning to the Emerald City. She wrote on Instagram, “2025 was the year we became 4!!! 💌 A year of a whole lot of love. A lot of growing & learning as mom + dad (the best thing in the world). Moving back to our favorite place for football.”

She continued, “A year leaving us missing our grandy & blue so much,” referring to the team colors. “A year with some really special people by our side!! A year that has us excited for what is to come. A big year of faith. So many things & so much to always be grateful for!! I love this little family of mine so so so much and am so lucky to call them mine. see you soon 2026!!!”

Natalie also shared similar sentiments before the season started. After Lock signed a two-year, $5 million contract to return to Seattle, she posted on Instagram, “YEAR 7!!!! 🏈🙌🏼🥹💙 & back in the most special place!!”

Drew Lock and his wife, Natalie, got married in April 2023 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. On January 15, 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, Layton Andrew. Natalie posted on Instagram, “The sweetest little boy is finally in our arms & we are so in love! Our hearts are forever full🤍.. & to make this day even more special, he arrived on my grandma’s birthday. Our biggest blessing!”

The Locks expanded their family again on December 4, welcoming their second child, a daughter named Landry Isabela.

Like sportifySports’s content?

Be sure to follow us.