Seahawks Sit Sam Darnold for Preseason Opener

The Seattle Seahawks confirmed that veteran quarterback Sam Darnold will not take snaps in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 15. Head coach Mike Macdonald announced that the team will start Drew Lock and rotate him with rookie Jalen Milroe throughout the game.

Heavy

Macdonald explained that the decision aligns with a broader strategy to keep many established starters on the sideline for the first preseason contest. The rotation is intended to give both backup quarterbacks exposure to different offensive groupings, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate their performance in varied situations rather than adhering to a strict first-half/second-half split. Milroe, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, has seen expanded practice reps and will receive his first significant in-game opportunity of 2026. Lock provides an experienced option behind Darnold, while Milroe represents a developmental prospect the team hopes to assess more fully.

Heavy

Macdonald told reporters that “a lot of our established starters won’t be playing,” emphasizing the intent to preserve health and focus on depth-chart evaluation. He added that the quarterbacks will be rotated “in some form or fashion” to see how they perform with different teammates.

Heavy

• “A lot of our established starters won’t be playing,” — Mike Macdonald, head coach

Heavy

• “The quarterbacks, we’re going to rotate in some form or fashion,” — Mike Macdonald, head coach

Heavy

• “I’m excited to see him go rip it,” — Mike Macdonald, head coach

Heavy

By sidelining Darnold, Seattle shifts the preseason spotlight to its backup options. The approach should clarify the hierarchy behind the starter and provide fans with insight into the development trajectory of Milroe, whose performance could influence roster decisions heading into the regular season.

Heavy