The Seattle Seahawks' quest to defend their Super Bowl title began inauspiciously as quarterback Sam Darnold was injured just minutes into their season opener on Wednesday night. The Seahawks were facing the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch at Lumen Field.
During Seattle's first offensive possession of the 2026 campaign, Darnold was sacked by Patriots defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones while attempting to evade pressure. The quarterback was seen limping to the sideline and, after a visit to the medical tent, was escorted to the locker room with a hip injury.
Darnold's status for the remainder of the game is currently uncertain, with backup quarterback Drew Lock entering the game under center. Darnold was a key player in the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory, where the team defeated the Patriots 29-13 to secure the Lombardi Trophy.
The evening began with a ceremony celebrating Seattle's second Super Bowl championship, as the team raised their championship banner prior to kickoff.