Drew Lock to Start for Seahawks Despite Severe Elbow Tendinitis

Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock is preparing to start Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals despite dealing with severe tendinitis in his throwing elbow, according to a report from The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero.

Ending Weeks of Vague Injury Designations

According to Pelissero’s coverage, Lock appeared as a limited practice participant across all 12 of Seattle’s injury reports throughout the last four weeks. Because of that persistent soreness, he sat out Seattle’s previous two matchups, though he remained available in uniform as the club’s emergency third-string quarterback.

Shifting Dynamics Under Center

Sam Darnold has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup due to a quad injury, forcing another shift under center. Darnold previously missed time earlier in the season with a glute injury sustained on the team’s opening series, during which Lock stepped in and played nearly every snap across the first two games. Over the course of those outings, Lock went 35-for-48 passing, accumulating 422 yards alongside four touchdowns and no interceptions, thereby leading the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory against the New England Patriots and a 31-7 triumph over the Cardinals.

Seahawks QB Drew Lock has been battling severe tendinitis in his throwing elbow. But he looked good in limited practice reps and will start Sunday against Arizona in place of injured Sam Darnold, with free agency looming in March. More in The Sweep: https://t.co/2WjDotsn76 pic.twitter.com/shgYQc9NTO

— https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2119075956174492112

Contrasting Performances This Season

By contrast, Darnold has struggled since returning to the lineup in Week 3, during which the Seahawks have gone just 2-4. Over the course of the season, the Pro Bowl selection from the past two years has completed 60.2% of his passes for 1,478 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Optimism From the Practice Field

Speaking to the media prior to Thursday’s practice, Lock offered an optimistic assessment of his physical status.

Drew Lock to Start for Seahawks Despite Severe Elbow Tendinitis

It’s doing good. I’m excited to be back out there. It felt great to get under center and rip some balls yesterday, so it feels good.

Looking Ahead to Sunday

Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed on Friday that Lock will get the nod on Sunday, with third-stringer Jalen Milroe stepping into the backup role behind him.

The question of how long Lock’s elbow can withstand the physical demands of an NFL start remains open as the Seahawks look to stabilize their offense against Arizona.