Mike Macdonald optimistic QB Sam Darnold (oblique) plays vs. 49ers - ESPN

RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that he is «really optimistic» Sam Darnold will play Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers despite a new oblique injury, echoing what the Pro Bowl quarterback said a day earlier.

But in his final comments of the week before the Seahawks' divisional round playoff game against their NFC West rival, Macdonald left open the possibility that the injury could take a turn either before or after the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Seahawks listed Darnold as questionable Friday after he left practice earlier in the day when he felt something in his left side. He told reporters roughly two hours later that he expects to play.

«Talking about Sam, I heard what he said yesterday to you guys; I see it the same way,» Macdonald told reporters Friday. «We're listing him as questionable. Really optimistic he's going to be able to play. Right now we're going through all the protocol… just out of caution to make sure we're ready to go. We'll test it out tomorrow and kind of make the final decision, but again, we're optimistic he's going to play.

»If he doesn't, or at some point he doesn't, then [Drew Lock is] ready to go, and that's why Drew's here. He's doing a great job."

The Seahawks held a walk-through Friday, as they typically do the day before a game. Macdonald gave a nonanswer when asked whether Darnold threw during the session. While the coach was speaking to reporters on the sideline of the team's indoor practice facility, Darnold and Lock were walking through plays on the field with receiver Jake Bobo. Darnold was seen making only light, underhanded tosses.

Macdonald was asked whether Darnold was better physically Friday.

«Yeah, he says he feels better,» Macdonald said.