Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Set to Return from Injury for Huge NFC West Showdown Against Washington Commanders

The 2025 Seattle Seahawks have quietly become one of the most intriguing stories of the NFL season. At 5–2, they sit near the top of the NFC West, and while their defense has been exceptional, the offense has finally begun to match the hype. The catalyst behind this resurgence? Quarterback Sam Darnold, whose journey from doubted former No. 3 overall pick to NFC contender has been nothing short of remarkable.

Despite dealing with a lingering chest injury, Darnold returned to practice this week at full participation, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. That news sets the stage for Sunday’s pivotal game against the Washington Commanders, a matchup that could define the Seahawks’ playoff trajectory. For the Commanders, this is equally a must-win: a defeat could place their NFC West hopes in jeopardy.

“Darnold looked fully engaged in practice,” Rapoport reported. “Despite the chest injury, he should be good to go this Sunday.”

The timing of Darnold’s return couldn’t be better. The Seahawks’ bye week provided him with extra rest, allowing him to regain strength and fully integrate back into the game plan. Coach Pete Carroll has long been cautious with his quarterback, and this careful approach appears to be paying dividends.

Darnold’s Resurgence: From Doubt to Contender

Through seven games this season, Darnold has thrown for 1,754 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, completing 68.2% of his passes. These numbers don’t just signal competence—they indicate a player who has redefined the narrative surrounding his career.

Until recently, Darnold was almost universally considered a “bust” by NFL pundits. His early years with the New York Jets were riddled with inconsistency, injuries, and struggles to live up to the lofty expectations of a top-three draft pick. However, the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings changed everything.

Last year, Darnold guided the Vikings to a playoff berth, showcasing not only efficiency but poise under pressure. His performance earned him a new contract with Seattle, a team hoping his veteran experience could stabilize an offense that had long been searching for consistency.

“He’s playing with the confidence of a quarterback who’s finally figured it out,” Carroll said last week. “Sam is making the right decisions, hitting his reads, and keeping defenses on edge.”

For Seahawks fans, Darnold has been a revelation. His accuracy, field vision, and decision-making have elevated Seattle’s passing attack, complementing the team’s already formidable defense. And when paired with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, one of the league’s most prolific young receivers, the Seahawks’ offensive potential has become nearly unstoppable.

The Smith-Njigba Factor

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as a top-tier receiver in 2025. Through seven games, he has 50 receptions for 819 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating remarkable consistency and playmaking ability. Analysts have even begun to speculate that he could contend for Offensive Player of the Year honors and potentially challenge Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving yard record if the momentum continues.

“Smith-Njigba is a nightmare matchup for any secondary,” Carroll noted. “He can stretch the field, create separation, and make contested catches look routine. Having Sam throwing to him only magnifies his threat.”

The chemistry between Darnold and Smith-Njigba has been a key driver of Seattle’s offensive efficiency. The quarterback knows the receiver’s tendencies, while Smith-Njigba trusts Darnold to put the ball where only he can reach it. For the Seahawks, this duo has become a cornerstone for both the present and the future.

Pressure and Skepticism from Analysts

Even with the Seahawks’ success, some voices in the media have expressed cautious optimism about Darnold. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, a long-time critic, noted that while Darnold has impressed this season, past playoff shortcomings still linger in the public consciousness.

“I saw the season finale last year when you were 14–2,” Smith said on First Take. “I ain’t letting that go. I need to see what he’ll do as the season wanes.”

For Darnold, the scrutiny is familiar, but it is not unwelcome. He has learned to tune out noise and focus on preparation, execution, and consistency—qualities that have defined his comeback season with Seattle.

The Upcoming NFC West Clash

Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders carries enormous weight. Seattle sits just behind the NFC West leaders, and a victory would solidify its position as a legitimate contender. The Commanders, meanwhile, are fighting to stay near the top, making this game essentially a battle for division supremacy.

The Seahawks’ coaching staff is emphasizing both strategy and adaptability in preparation. Darnold’s availability allows the team to employ a balanced attack, mixing quick passes, deep shots, and dynamic play-action. Carroll has stressed the importance of executing cleanly and protecting the quarterback, particularly given Darnold’s chest injury.

“Sam’s presence changes everything,” Carroll said. “We can call plays we couldn’t with anyone else. He’s the difference-maker in this matchup.”

Seattle’s Defense: The Complementary Weapon

While Darnold’s resurgence dominates headlines, the Seahawks’ defense cannot be overlooked. Seattle has been one of the league’s most efficient units, excelling in pass rush, coverage, and tackling fundamentals. Against the Texans, they forced multiple turnovers and limited big plays, showcasing their ability to control games even when the offense is still finding rhythm.

This complementary balance is what makes Seattle dangerous. With Darnold healthy, Smith-Njigba dominating, and the defense imposing its will, the Seahawks are building a team capable of deep playoff contention.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming game represents both a test and an opportunity. Darnold must prove his durability and consistency, Smith-Njigba must continue his elite-level production, and the Seahawks as a unit must execute under the pressure of a division-defining matchup.

If they succeed, the Seahawks could cement themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2025. If not, the stakes only increase as the season progresses, highlighting the razor-thin margins in a competitive NFC West.

Conclusion

Sam Darnold’s availability this Sunday is more than just a return from injury—it symbolizes resilience, redemption, and opportunity. From being doubted by pundits to becoming the heartbeat of a resurgent Seahawks offense, Darnold’s journey encapsulates what makes the NFL compelling: the intersection of talent, perseverance, and timing.

Seattle fans have reasons to be optimistic. With Darnold ready to go, Smith-Njigba in prime form, and a defense capable of dictating tempo, the Seahawks are well-positioned for a critical NFC West showdown. What unfolds Sunday will not just affect standings—it could define a season.

“The bye week was perfect timing,” Carroll said. “Sam is ready. The team is ready. Now it’s about executing when it matters most.”

As Seattle prepares for a crucial road test against the Commanders, one thing is clear: the Seahawks are back, and Sam Darnold is leading the charge.