Seahawks rule out Sam Darnold for Cardinals game, Drew Lock to start

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will not play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike Macdonald announced it Wednesday, saying Darnold injured his quad late in Monday night's loss to the Bears. ESPN's Brady Henderson and NBC's ProFootballTalk both relayed the news from Macdonald's press conference.

Here is what's confirmed. Macdonald called Darnold week-to-week and said he is not going on IR. He also revealed that Darnold cracked a rib on the second play of Monday's game and played through it. Drew Lock is the planned starter against Arizona, and Jalen Milroe will be ready as the backup.

The catch is that Lock is not fully healthy either. He has missed the last two games with a right elbow injury. Macdonald said Lock can throw, but the team will limit his volume this week, and Lock and Milroe are expected to split reps early in the practice week. Henderson added that Seattle may bring in a third quarterback behind them.

For context, Darnold has completed 60.2 percent of his passes this season for 1,478 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Lock has completed 35 of 48 passes for 422 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, including a Week 2 start and win at Arizona.

What is still open: how much Lock's elbow allows him to do in practice, and how long the quad and rib keep Darnold out. Week-to-week with no IR move suggests the team expects him back within a few games.

For RSO owners, bench Darnold this week and keep him rostered. Superflex and 2QB managers should add Lock if he is available, since he is the likely starter, and he already beat Arizona as a starter this year. Milroe is worth a speculative add in deep superflex leagues in case Lock's elbow flares up. Seahawks pass catchers take a small downgrade with a banged-up backup under center, but they stay in lineups.

What to watch next: Seattle's first injury report Wednesday evening, Lock's practice participation Thursday and Friday, and whether the team signs a third quarterback before Sunday.