Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to miss time after suffering a hip injury during Wednesday’s season opener against the New England Patriots, according to reports. Darnold sustained the injury on a sack during the fifth play from scrimmage on the team’s first drive.
Sam Darnold Expected to Miss Time Following MRI for Hip Injury
After initially waving off medical staff, Darnold was examined in the sideline medical tent and went to the locker room with a visible limp. He was officially listed as out just before halftime and was transported to a local hospital for a CT scan and X-rays on Wednesday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald stated postgame that medical evaluations ruled out a fracture, calling it positive news.
On Thursday morning, Darnold underwent an MRI. While team doctors are still reviewing the imaging to determine the exact timeline, ESPN reported that the Seahawks believe they dodged a bullet
and avoided a long-term issue. NFL Network reported that Darnold is expected to miss the upcoming game against the Cardinals and could be sidelined for just a few weeks, potentially returning sooner, rather than later.
Implications for the Seattle Offense
An extended absence for Darnold is a notable hurdle for Seattle as the team seeks to defend its title. During his debut season with the Seahawks, the 29-year-old quarterback threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He added 346 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the NFC Championship win before capturing a Super Bowl victory.
Darnold excelled in Klint Kubiak’s offense, particularly on under-center play-action passes, posting a league-best 11.8 yards per attempt on those concepts. Although Kubiak departed to become the coach of the Raiders, new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury was expected to maintain similar schemes.
The offense also must navigate changes in the backfield. Running back Kenneth Walker III departed for the Chiefs in free agency, and Zach Charbonnet remains in recovery from a torn ACL, leaving the team with limited veteran experience behind running back Jadarian Price. Furthermore, Darnold’s efficiency had previously unlocked an Offensive Player of the Year campaign for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Backup Options and Roster Outlook
Following Darnold’s departure on Wednesday night, Drew Lock stepped in and completed 16-of-22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown, helping lead Seattle to a victory. Lock previously made 21 starts across his first three seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Broncos, later playing for the Giants before returning to Seattle.
Behind Lock, second-year signal-caller Jalen Milroe serves as the team’s emergency third quarterback, meaning he is only permitted to play if Lock is also injured. Because Seattle initially carried three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster without signing one to the practice squad, adjustments to the roster are anticipated in the coming days. The Seahawks will hit the road to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
