Concern growing over Sam Darnold’s availability for 49ers playoff clash

The top-seeded Seahawks “believe but don’t know” that former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will be able to play in Saturday night’s NFC playoff game against the 49ers, according to ESPN.

Darnold, who led Seattle to a conference-leading 14-3 mark after signing there as a free agent, officially is listed as questionable with an oblique injury he suffered Thursday in practice.

“Seahawks QB Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a football since he hurt his oblique Thursday. The Seahawks believe, but don’t know, that he will be OK to start tonight’s game vs. the 49ers,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter posted to X on Saturday, hours before the 8 p.m. ET kickoff in Seattle.

“Backup QB Drew Lock took the reps the past two days and is ready if needed.”

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that the team is “really optimistic” that Darnold will be able to play in the division-round game following the team’s first-round bye.

Macdonald added that Darnold would test the injury Saturday afternoon before an official decision is made.

The 28-year-old Darnold, the No. 3 pick by the Jets in 2018, threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions in 17 games after signing a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle in free agency.

The former USC star spent last year with the Vikings and enjoyed a breakout year after struggling over his first six NFL seasons with the Jets, the Panthers and 49ers.

The 29-year-old Lock, who spent last season with the Giants, attempted only three passes this season as Darnold’s backup.

The Seahawks and the 49ers (12-5) split their two games during the regular season, with each team winning on the road, including Seattle’s division-clinching road win in Week 18.