Former Alabama QB Prepares for Seahawks’ Crucial Playoff Game
As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for their crucial playoff game, former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe finds himself on the cusp of a more significant role. The Seahawks will face the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, with the status of starting quarterback Sam Darnold uncertain due to an oblique injury.
Seahawks’ Quarterback Situation
Darnold’s participation in the playoff matchup has been labeled as questionable. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in Darnold’s recovery, stating, “Really optimistic he’s going to be able to play.” The decision will be finalized after more tests, with the team remaining cautious in their approach.
If Darnold cannot play, Drew Lock is prepared to step in. Lock, who has 28 games of starting experience in the NFL, has only thrown three passes this season. His readiness adds depth to the Seahawks’ quarterback position.
Jalen Milroe’s Journey
This season marks Milroe’s rookie year with the Seahawks, following an impressive college career at Alabama. In his final two seasons, he accumulated:
- 5,678 passing yards
- 39 touchdowns
- 1,257 rushing yards
- 32 rushing touchdowns
Milroe has played a minimal role in the regular season, recording just three snaps, all of which were rushing attempts totaling four yards. He served as the emergency third quarterback, dressed for games but did not count on the game-day roster. This designation meant he could only play if both Darnold and Lock were unavailable, a scenario that never occurred during the regular season.
Coach Macdonald noted, “He’s doing the same thing he does every week. He’s got to be ready to go if need be.”
Playoff Matchup Details
The Seahawks enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NFC and received a first-round bye. They are set to play the No. 6 seed 49ers, who recently defeated the third-seeded Philadelphia Eagles with a close score of 23-19. The two teams met twice during the regular season:
| Date | Game Result |
|---|---|
| September 7 | 49ers 17, Seahawks 13 |
| January 3 | Seahawks 13, 49ers 3 |
The upcoming game will take place at 7 p.m. CST at Lumen Field in Seattle, with FOX broadcasting the action. Milroe’s potential rise to the field could significantly impact this playoff contest.
