THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Darnold's oblique could be nothing — or could be a real pain

What is an oblique injury?

For that matter, what is an oblique muscle in the first place?

Does the oblique do anything — or prevent something — that matters?

If you look up “oblique strain” on Google or another information source, are there thousands of words that conclude with a paragraph that leaves you sitting in doubt?

For instance.

“An oblique strain, more serious than a routine description of ‘mild,’ generally matters more or less depending on the sufferer’s physical activity.

“A university professor specializing in Renaissance art is not likely to be bothered beyond how far the teacher routinely walks to work.

“A professional football quarterback forced to rehab from an oblique problem, however, often spends weeks watching games from the sideline — often wearing a baseball cap and carrying a clipboard.”

Got it?

If you’re out and about in the world of serious physical activity, a problem with your oblique is a bummer, indeed.

We can pick any line of work where you need upper body strength (and the importance of torso movement), and the little-known oblique muscle is certain to have some importance.

It could be a nightmare for a guy like, say, Sam Darnold.

I SUSPECT you know that the Seahawks quarterback turned up with some sort of oblique problem this week.

Not exactly great timing, since Darnold is expected to lead the Hawks against San Francisco in the NFC semifinals on Saturday night.

It’s easy to joke about the oblique, muscles that run vertically down your side.

It would be the strain of choice for basketball players who want to sit out two or three days of training.

“Yeah, I’m getting over this oblique thing. I’ll be back for the game in Boston.”

Ho, ho, ho.

For Sam Darnold, however, this isn’t a gag.

Not funny, either.

What Darnold, the Seahawks and millions of their fans also are hoping is that a day or two of rest will be enough.

Seattle needs its quarterback on Saturday.

This whole puzzle seemed to pop up out of nowhere.

Darnold and his Hawks teammates had a week off after their 13-3 win over the 49ers sewed up the NFC West title — and No. 1 on that side of the bracket en route.

The Hawks have been working seriously this week, ignoring news items like San Francisco’s loss of all-everything tight end George Kittle until next season (torn Achilles) and the fact that Vegas bookmakers have pegged Seattle as a 7-point favorite — a huge price for any playoff game.

So, what happened with this mysterious oblique?

Darnold said Thursday that he “felt something off when he threw some long balls,” and rather than take any chances, he came in for treatment.’’

THE NEWS about Darnold’s oblique did not move the needle in Las Vegas.

Seahawks fans can relax — at least a little — knowing that Darnold agrees with the bookies.

Asked about the possibility that he might not play against the 49ers, Sam said: “If you went from zero to 10 (with the highest number meaning he’ll sit out), it would be pretty low — almost zero, really.

Let’s back up and ask how in the hell oblique strains and tears actually affect an athlete.

Online medical sources are virtually all the same.

Here’s a quote from the Mayo Clinic:

“An oblique injury, usually a strain or tear, can range from a minor nuisance to severely debilitating, causing sharp pain with movement, breathing, coughing, and rotation.

“Recovery can take weeks to months depending on severity (Grade 1 to 3), but it's treatable with rest and rehab, though severe cases might need surgery or require ruling out serious underlying issues like hernias or fractures.”

So far, the mild discomfort that’s bothered Darnold doesn’t seem like it could fit in that category.

More concerning: Darnold can’t let long throws rip with his usual power.

He could leave some passes short, or if he’s feeling the oblique strain, he might not be the commander who has led Seattle to seven straight wins.

In any case, Sam’s going to be worth watching on Saturday night.

Email: [email protected]

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press three times each week, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On."