Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold sustained a hip injury during the team's season-opening game against the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. Darnold was injured on Seattle's opening drive after being sacked and did not return to the game. Backup quarterback Drew Lock replaced him.
Following the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald stated that the team had "able to rule out a fracture" regarding Darnold's hip. An MRI conducted on Thursday afternoon indicated that Darnold "dodged a bullet" and is not expected to miss an extended period, according to NFL Media.
Darnold, 29, is in his second season with the Seahawks. In the 2025 season, he earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, completing 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The Seahawks finished with a 14-3 record last season.
If Darnold is sidelined, Drew Lock would likely step in as the starting quarterback. Lock, who has seven-plus years of NFL experience and 28 career starts, most recently made five starts for the New York Giants in 2024. Second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe, a 2025 third-round pick, would serve as the backup.
Lock helped lead the Seahawks to a 13-10 comeback victory over the Patriots. He completed 72.7% of his passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of 113.3.
The Seahawks have two upcoming road games: September 20 against the Arizona Cardinals and September 27 against the Washington Commanders.