Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a right hip injury during the opening drive of the team’s season-opening game against the New England Patriots. Darnold’s exit after just five snaps forced backup quarterback Drew Lock into action during the primetime matchup at Lumen Field.
Injury Timeline and Medical Updates
Darnold sustained the injury when he was sacked on the game’s opening drive. While he did not require assistance walking to the sideline, he was evaluated in a privacy tent before undergoing X-rays in the locker room. Initially listed as questionable, he was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest, as reported by TSN. ESPN reported that a subsequent CT scan on Darnold’s hip returned inconclusive, prompting the team to schedule an MRI. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald later told reporters that the team received encouraging news from the scans, specifically confirming that a fracture had been ruled out, according to NBC Sports and The Seattle Times.
Backup Performance and Game Outcome
Following Darnold’s departure, Drew Lock stepped in to lead the Seattle offense. Lock finished the game completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, helping the Seahawks overcome a sluggish start to secure a 13-10 victory by scoring 13 unanswered points. Macdonald praised Lock’s performance and poise after the game, stating that the team has high confidence in the backup quarterback. Seattle’s comeback effort also relied heavily on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who contributed eight catches for 122 yards, alongside three interceptions of New England quarterback Drake Maye.
Historical Context and Next Steps
Darnold entered the 2026 season as one of only six active NFL quarterbacks with a Super Bowl victory, and the only quarterback ever to win a title with his fifth team or later. The milestone followed a campaign where he joined Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to win 14 games as a starter in consecutive seasons. With further medical evaluations scheduled, the Seahawks await a definitive timeline for Darnold’s return to the field.
