Sam Darnold enters the second half of the 2026 NFL regular season with the Seattle Seahawks at 4-4, having thrown for 1,478 yards and 10 touchdowns against nine interceptions across seven games. A quadriceps injury sustained late in Week 8, compounded by a cracked rib earlier in that loss to the Bears, has ruled him out for Week 9 against Arizona and left him week-to-week without an injured reserve placement. Backup Drew Lock is expected to start while dealing with his own elbow issue, with Darnold’s potential return targeted for Week 10 versus Las Vegas before the Seahawks’ Week 11 bye. The 29-year-old’s elevated interception rate and the team’s middling offensive efficiency frame the volume and efficiency outlook for his remaining passing touchdowns.