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Seahawks Issue Final Announcement After NFL Decision on Sam Darnold’s Injury Ahead of Clash With Rams

Seattle, Washington – January 23, 2026

Ahead of the NFC Championship Game, the Seattle Seahawks have officially released their final statement regarding the injury status of Sam Darnold, following a pivotal medical ruling from the NFL. The announcement puts an end to days of speculation surrounding the availability of Seattle’s starting quarterback for the season-defining matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

According to the Seahawks, Darnold has been medically cleared by the NFL Medical Committee to play, having successfully completed all required evaluations related to his oblique injury. The team confirmed that no new complications were detected and that Darnold met all benchmarks in mobility, core strength, and stability—critical factors for a quarterback operating within Seattle’s high-tempo offensive system.

Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized that the decision was made with caution. Seattle worked closely with NFL medical personnel throughout the week, monitoring every practice rep and every throw Darnold made. His ability to participate fully in practice, including warmups and controlled throwing sessions, proved decisive in reaching the final determination.

“We weren’t willing to put any unnecessary risk on a player,” Macdonald said. “This decision is based on independent medical evaluations from the NFL and what Sam showed us on the practice field. When he steps out there, he has to be himself.”

The 2025 season has marked a turning point in Darnold’s career. After not being retained by Minnesota, he signed with Seattle and quickly established himself as the team’s QB1, leading the Seahawks to an NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the conference. In Seattle’s dramatic 38–37 win over the Rams in Week 16, Darnold threw an overtime touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and delivered the game-winning two-point conversion—moments widely viewed as season-defining.

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While Darnold has been cleared, the Seahawks also confirmed that Drew Lock is fully prepared in a backup role should circumstances require it. Still, the message from the organization is unmistakable: Seattle is preparing for this championship game with Sam Darnold at the center of its plan.

The NFL’s decision carries significance beyond medical clearance—it provides a critical emotional lift for the Seahawks as they prepare to face the Rams for the third time this season. As all eyes turn to Lumen Field, Seattle has delivered a clear message: they will enter the biggest game of the year with their trusted leader under center—and complete confidence that he is ready.

🔥 FROM JACKSONVILLE ICON TO IMMORTAL: Jimmy Smith Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Jacksonville, Florida – January , 2026 – Jimmy Smith’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary wide receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Jaguars fans have long awaited. For a franchise that was still building its identity, Smith’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who reshaped Jacksonville’s passing offense and became a symbol of consistency and excellence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith’s career was never about the spotlight — it was about impact. Drafted in 1995, Smith entered a Jaguars team that was on the rise, searching for its place in the NFL. What followed was one of the most productive and consistent careers in franchise history. Over his 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Smith became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (862), yards (12,287), and touchdowns (67), all while playing for a small-market team that was often overlooked. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Smith embodied the heart of Jacksonville’s offense during the Tom Coughlin era. He was a true game-changer — a reliable, versatile receiver who could do it all. Whether it was a quick slant or a deep route down the sideline, Smith had the ability to make plays that put the Jaguars’ offense on the map. He consistently delivered in clutch moments and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s and 2000s. “Jimmy was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “You knew if you needed a big play, Jimmy would come through.” Smith’s career was also marked by his perseverance and consistency. A 5-time Pro Bowler (1996-2000), he was consistently among the league’s best. In fact, during his prime, he ranked second in receptions and first in yards in the 1990s and 2000s, trailing only Marvin Harrison. His impact on the Jaguars’ passing game cannot be overstated — he helped define the team’s offensive identity during the franchise’s formative years. Although Smith was a nominee and semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his induction was long overdue. Playing in a small-market city like Jacksonville meant he wasn’t always in the national spotlight, but his on-field achievements and consistent production spoke for themselves. Smith was one of the most underrated wide receivers of his generation and a key part of Jacksonville’s early success. For Jacksonville, Smith’s induction carries profound significance. Before the team had its modern-day stars, Jimmy Smith was the face of the Jaguars’ offense. He represented hard work, dedication, and the ability to perform at the highest level, even when the world wasn’t always paying attention. As Jimmy Smith takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty, but he was one of the most respected, consistent, and feared wide receivers the game has ever seen. Jimmy Smith didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.