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Mike Macdonald Reveals Unique Plan for Jalen Milroe While Sam Darnold is Out
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- Mike Macdonald Reveals Unique Plan for Jalen Milroe While Sam Darnold is Out
We know that the Seattle Seahawks are going to be without star quarterback Sam Darnold for at least Week 2 .
The quarterback is dealing with a glute injury. It's not expected to be a long-term thing, and the team has to feel like it's in good hands with Drew Lock . Lock impressed in Week 1, leading the team to a win over the New England Patriots .
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However, the only other quarterback on the roster or practice squad is Jalen Milroe . Milroe has shown some flashes in practice and the preseason, but he's never attempted a pass in the regular season. Because of that, many assumed the Seahawks would want to add another quarterback to the room until Darnold gets back.
Instead, head coach Mike Macdonald revealed that the team is going to go a different direction.
Milroe to Get Some Starter Reps
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
While there are some decent options out there, such as Josh Johnson or Jake Browning , Macdonald doesn't anticipate adding a quarterback.
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Not only will they roll with Lock and Milroe, but Milroe will even get some first-team reps. It's not normal for a backup quarterback to get first-team reps during the week, but the Seahawks feel it's necessary because of Milroe's lack of experience.
It will be nice to see Milroe get some action with the starters, even in a practice setting. The young passer has usually been on the field with backups and players who didn't even make the team, so being with the starters will be good experience.
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It's also always good to be prepared. If something happened to Lock in a game, it would not be ideal for Milroe to have to come in without having any reps with the first-team offense. The Seahawks obviously still believe in Milroe, considering they kept him as the third quarterback rather than risking him on waivers.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
