RENTON, Wash. – Emerging from the physical battle of the NFC Championship Game victorious, the Seattle Seahawks' primary focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for Super Bowl LX. Head Coach Mike Macdonald addressed the media on January 26, providing a largely optimistic update on his team's health.
Quarterback and Blindside Protector Status The two most critical names on the injury report, quarterback Sam Darnold and left tackle Charles Cross, are dealing with expected soreness but avoided major setbacks. Darnold, who was limited in practice last week with an oblique strain, played the entire game and threw three touchdowns. 'Sam's oblique is sore, but it's nothing structural,' Macdonald said. 'He's a tough guy. We'll manage his reps early in the week, but he'll be ready to go.'
Cross, who just signed a historic contract extension, played through a foot injury that had him on the injury report leading up to the game. 'Charles is in a similar boat,' Macdonald noted. 'He's sore, fought through it like a champion, but there's nothing major there. We expect him to be fine for practice.'
Other Lingering Concerns The news was also positive for linebacker Tyrice Knight, who played through a shoulder injury. His status for Super Bowl preparations is not considered in jeopardy. However, the offensive line depth remains a concern. Tackles Josh Jones (knee/ankle) and Amari Kight (knee) did not participate in any practices last week and their availability for the Super Bowl is very much in question. Their potential absence would put continued pressure on the remaining healthy linemen and practice squad elevations.
Season-Ending Injuries As previously reported, the placements of running back Zach Charbonnet and guard Bryce Cabeldue on injured reserve mean their seasons are conclusively over. Both will now focus on rehabilitation for the 2026 season.
The Road to Recovery The Seahawks will benefit from the extended two-week preparation period for the Super Bowl. This allows extra time for treatment, recovery, and game planning. The training and medical staff, led by Director of Player Health & Performance David Stricklin, will be paramount in ensuring the team is as close to full strength as possible for the final game of the year. 'It's about smart recovery now,' Macdonald emphasized. 'We pushed through a lot to get here. Now we need to be smart, get our bodies right, and put together our best performance of the year in two weeks.'