The Seattle Seahawks say quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with what the team described as a "very unique soft-tissue" injury that is not expected to sideline him long term. The Seahawks released a statement to local reporters Monday clarifying that Darnold's hip joint is unaffected, calling it a "short-term injury" while noting there is no firm timeline for his return.
Darnold was injured on the fifth play of Wednesday's season-opening win over the visiting New England Patriots when his right knee hit the turf as he was being sacked from behind. He hobbled off the field and later limped into the locker room after being examined in the medical tent. The Seahawks ruled him out with what they announced as a hip injury, and the injury is in the area of his right glute.
Darnold was taken to Harborview Medical Center for testing during the game and stayed there overnight, in part because of how much discomfort he was in. Sources previously told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Darnold is expected to at least miss the Seahawks' Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Drew Lock stepped in for Darnold and quarterbacked the Seahawks to a 13-10 win over the Patriots, and he is in line to make his first start since 2024. The Seahawks have not brought in any quarterbacks for tryouts, and Jalen Milroe, a 2025 third-round draft pick who was regularly a healthy scratch during his rookie season, is Seattle's QB3 behind Darnold and Lock.
Darnold was at Seahawks headquarters Monday but was not on the field during the warmup period of practice, which is all media members are allowed to view. After the Arizona game, the Seahawks visit the Washington Commanders in Week 3, then host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
