Lock to Start for Seahawks Against Cardinals
Drew Lock is expected to take the starting quarterback role for Seattle on Sunday while Sam Darnold recovers from a quad injury.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Drew Lock is set to start at quarterback for the Seahawks against the Cardinals on Sunday. Sam Darnold is week-to-week with a quad injury and has been ruled out for the week.
Why it matters
Lock's starting assignment puts him back in the lineup after filling in for an injured Darnold in Week 1 and winning Week 2. Seattle's offense depends on its quarterback's health, and the Seahawks are relying on Lock to keep the team on track.
Lock's Week 2 performance included 235 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 31-7 win over the Cardinals. Darnold's return timeline beyond this week remains undetermined.
The players
Drew Lock
Drew Lock is a quarterback who filled in for an injured Sam Darnold in Week 1 and led the Seahawks to a 31-7 win over the Cardinals in Week 2.
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is the Seahawks' starting quarterback who is currently recovering from a quad injury.
The details
Sam Darnold played through a cracked rib on Monday night before being ruled out for the week with a quad injury. Lock, who has an elbow injury, was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report but threw with the team that day.
Timeline
Monday night: Darnold plays through a cracked rib.
Wednesday: Lock listed as limited participant on injury report.
Sunday: Lock starts against the Cardinals.
Season Trajectory
Seattle's ability to maintain offensive production depends on whether its backup quarterback can sustain the level of play shown in Week 1 and Week 2. The outcome of this Sunday's game could shape the Seahawks' position in the division standings.
Fantasy managers rostering Seattle's offense will need to account for Lock as the starter rather than Darnold this week. Lock's Week 2 output of 235 yards and three touchdowns offers a recent benchmark for projecting his production.
The takeaway
Lock's ability to protect the ball and move the offense in Week 2 gives Seattle a recent model for how the backup can perform. Fans tracking the team should watch the injury reports closely as the week progresses.
What happens next
Lock is scheduled to start against the Cardinals on Sunday, and the Seahawks will release an updated injury report before kickoff.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster and season outlook, see the Football section.
