Seahawks Face Quarterback Crisis After Drew Lock Oblique Injury
Seattle may start rookie Jalen Milroe against Raiders as injury woes mount.
1Seattle Quarterback Depth Tested
The Seattle Seahawks are facing a significant roster challenge following an oblique injury sustained by quarterback Drew Lock during their Week 9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Lock's availability for the upcoming Week 10 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders remains uncertain after his brief medical tent visit.
2Injury Cascade Impacting Roster
Lock was already serving as a replacement for primary starter Sam Darnold, who has been sidelined since Week 8. Darnold is currently managing both quad and rib injuries, the latter being a cracked rib sustained during a loss to the Chicago Bears. This sequence of events has severely depleted the team's available veteran quarterback options.
3Performance Under Physical Constraints
Despite entering the Cardinals game while managing elbow tendinitis, Lock managed to complete 19 of 28 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown. The team secured a 17-3 win, but Lock was visibly hampered throughout the contest. His status for the next game is now the primary concern for the coaching staff's offensive planning.
4Rookie Jalen Milroe's Potential Debut
If both Lock and Darnold are unable to suit up for Week 10, the Seahawks will likely turn to third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe. Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 23-year-old former Alabama standout has only logged three career NFL snaps, all of which were rushing attempts totaling four yards.
5Milroe's Collegiate Career Profile
Milroe experienced a volatile career at Alabama, finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2023 with 2,834 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. However, his 2024 season saw a regression in passing accuracy, marked by 11 interceptions. Despite these struggles, he remained a potent rushing threat, contributing 20 touchdowns on the ground during that final collegiate year.
6Strategic Shift in Offense
Should Milroe start, the Seahawks' offensive scheme is expected to shift toward a run-heavy approach. Seattle recorded 120 rushing yards in their latest win, and the Raiders have shown vulnerability against ground attacks. This tactical adjustment would be necessary to compensate for the rookie's limited experience in professional passing schemes and high-pressure situations.
7Playoff Implications for Seattle
The Seahawks currently hold a 5-4 record and are positioned as the No. 8 seed in the NFC, placing them just outside the playoff bracket. With little room for error in the competitive conference, the team must navigate these quarterback injuries carefully to maintain their postseason aspirations during this critical mid-season stretch.
8Alternative Roster Options
Beyond the active roster, the Seahawks maintain Adrian Martinez on their practice squad as an additional insurance policy. The coaching staff must decide by kickoff whether to trust the inexperienced Milroe or potentially elevate Martinez. These decisions are vital as the team prepares to face the Raiders in a must-win scenario.
Original article: CBS Sports – NFL — Seahawks Face Quarterback Crisis After Drew Lock Oblique Injury