Sam Darnold Ruled Out for Seahawks' Week 2 Game Against Cardinals
Coach Mike Macdonald confirms the quarterback will not play due to a glute injury sustained in Week 1.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will not play in the team's Week 2 road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals due to a glute injury, head coach Mike Macdonald announced Wednesday.
Darnold sustained the injury during the Seahawks' opening possession in their Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. He was replaced by Drew Lock, who will start against the Cardinals. Macdonald indicated that the team does not anticipate placing Darnold on injured reserve, suggesting his absence may be short-lived. Reports indicate Darnold suffered a muscle strain, not a fracture, contributing to the team's optimism.
In relief of Darnold during the Week 1 game, Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 113.3. Lock, who has 28 NFL starts, will be the primary backup behind second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Last season, Darnold recorded 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a 99.1 passer rating, completing 67.7% of his passes. This was his first year with the Seahawks, and he earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. The Seahawks concluded the 2025 season with a 14-3 record, the best in the NFC, and went on to win Super Bowl LX, their second franchise championship.
The Seahawks will face the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET. Seattle swept the series against Arizona last season and has won nine consecutive games against their NFC West rival.