Seahawks' Darnold Avoids Major Injury, But Likely to Miss Time
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury in the season opener against New England, but an MRI ruled out a fracture and indicated a muscle strain. He is expected to miss at least one game, with backup Drew Lock likely to start in his place. The Seahawks are optimistic that Darnold's absence will be short-term.
Darnold exited after a sack on the opening drive. Backup Drew Lock orchestrated a comeback victory, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown without an interception. This win came in a rematch of the previous Super Bowl.
With Darnold expected to miss at least the upcoming road games against Arizona and Washington, Lock is poised to take the starting role, with Jalen Milroe as the backup. Darnold's strong 2025 campaign (4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns) makes his absence a notable early-season hurdle for Seattle.
The Seahawks' short-term quarterback situation could influence fan morale and local sports media discourse, as the team navigates a demanding early schedule. A brief absence may allow backup Drew Lock to prove his value, potentially affecting future roster decisions. Fantasy football players and bettors might also adjust their strategies based on Darnold's uncertain return timeline, though the avoided fracture suggests the broader season outlook remains stable.