# Seahawks defensive coordinator Macdonald updates on Darnold, Price injuries

> Seahawks defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald says QB Sam Darnold and safety Jordan Price are injured but expected back soon, keeping Seattle on track after a Week 2 win.

- **Published**: 2026-09-22 03:00:54
- **Canonical**: https://worldys.news/article/seahawks-defensive-coordinator-macdonald-updates-on-darnold-price-injuries

## Reporting

Seattle defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald confirmed on Sunday that quarterback Sam Darnold and safety Jordan Price are each nursing injuries, but both are expected to resume practice in the coming weeks. The update came after the Seahawks’ 27‑20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, a win that left the team with a 2‑0 record and a short‑term roster question at two key defensive positions.
Current status of the injuries
Macdonald told reporters that Darnold suffered a head impact during the second quarter and was evaluated on the field. He was cleared to return to the sideline but will undergo a standard concussion protocol before practicing again. The defensive coordinator said the protocol is “moving forward” and that the quarterback’s status will be re‑evaluated at the next team meeting.Yahoo Sports
Jordan Price, who saw limited snaps in the second half, left the game with a lower‑body issue. Macdonald described the injury as a “soft tissue complaint” that does not appear to be a high‑grade strain. He added that Price is participating in light conditioning and should be cleared for full practice by the end of the week.Seattle Seahawks
Both players are listed as “questionable” for the upcoming Thursday night matchup against the New York Giants, according to the latest injury report released by the team’s medical staff. No official timeline beyond “next week” was provided, and Macdonald emphasized that player safety remains the top priority.Seattle Sports
Why it matters
Sam Darnold’s health is a direct factor in Seattle’s offensive continuity. Acquired in the offseason to compete for the starting job, Darnold has shown flashes of poise in the first two games. A setback in his recovery could force the Seahawks to lean on backup quarterback Drew Lock, whose limited experience in Seattle’s system could affect play‑calling and game‑flow control.
Jordan Price, a former fourth‑round pick, has become a core piece of the secondary. His ability to match up against slot receivers and provide run support has been highlighted in the team’s defensive scheme. Losing him for an extended period would strain the depth chart, potentially requiring increased snaps from rookie safety Jamal Hill or special‑teams specialist Jamel Dean.
Beyond the individual players, the injuries test Seattle’s depth across the board. The team’s front office has already invested in versatile defensive backs, and the coaching staff’s capacity to adjust will be a benchmark for the rest of the season. An early‑season injury to a starting quarterback and a safety could foreshadow how the roster handles the inevitable wear and tear of a 17‑game schedule.
What the sources show
The four reports on the injury update largely echo the same core facts: Darnold sustained a head impact, Price suffered a soft‑tissue injury, and both are expected to return soon. Yahoo Sports emphasizes the head‑impact evaluation and notes that Darnold “will undergo the standard concussion protocol.” The official Seahawks site provides a more granular description of Price’s complaint, labeling it a “soft tissue issue” without specifying a grade. Seattle Sports repeats the “questionable” designation for the next game and adds that the medical staff is monitoring both players closely. NFLTradeRumors.co mentions the injuries in a broader “NFC notes” column, linking them to other league‑wide injury news but does not add new details.
Where the sources diverge is in the language used to describe the timeline. Yahoo Sports and Seattle Sports both cite “next week” as a tentative return window, whereas the Seahawks’ own release hints at “by the end of the week,” suggesting a slightly tighter schedule. The NFLTradeRumors piece, being a roundup, does not commit to a timeline, reflecting the uncertainty that often accompanies early‑season injury reports.
What’s next
The Seahawks’ next scheduled game is Thursday, September 24, at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants. Both Darnold and Price are listed as questionable on the official game‑day roster, and their participation will be confirmed after the final medical evaluation that afternoon.
If either player is unable to play, Seattle’s game plan will shift. A backup quarterback would likely see a heavier dose of short‑passing concepts, while the secondary would rely on increased blitz packages to mask any coverage deficiencies caused by Price’s absence.
Beyond Thursday, the team’s medical staff has indicated that they will continue daily assessments. Macdonald said the coaching staff will adapt the practice schedule to accommodate the players’ recovery, with a focus on “gradual return to full contact.” The next full‑practice window is slated for the Saturday before the Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, giving the medical team a clear deadline to clear both players.Seattle Seahawks
Fans and analysts will be watching the concussion protocol closely, as the NFL’s return‑to‑play guidelines have grown more stringent in recent years. Any delay in Darnold’s clearance could spark speculation about Seattle’s depth at quarterback and influence trade‑deadline discussions.
In summary, the Seahawks enter the third week of the season with two key players on the injury list but with an optimistic outlook from the coaching staff. The next two weeks will reveal whether the team can maintain its early momentum while navigating the inevitable health challenges of an NFL season.

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*Synthesized by Worldys News Intelligence Desk under journalistic verification standards.*