Sam Darnold Ruled Out After Hip Injury in Seahawks Opener
SEATTLE — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was ruled out for the remainder of the team’s season opener against the New England Patriots after suffering a right hip injury during the opening drive Wednesday night.
Darnold was injured on third down after being sacked from behind by former Seahawks outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones. Darnold landed on his right knee on the play and was subsequently evaluated in the medical tent.
After the examination, Darnold was seen limping toward the locker room as Seattle prepared to take the field for its second possession. He was initially listed as questionable to return before being ruled out for the rest of the game.
Veteran quarterback Drew Lock took over for Darnold and completed six of his first eight passes for 51 yards. Seattle, however, struggled with penalties, committing four offensive penalties during the first two quarters.
One of those penalties came on an offside call that wiped out a fourth-and-1 sneak involving tight end AJ Barner. Earlier in the drive, Lock connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 21-yard gain on third-and-22.
The game marked a rematch of Seattle’s victory over New England in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter when quarterback Drake Maye found rookie tight end Eli Raridon wide open in the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown.
New England’s scoring opportunity came after Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe was penalized for pass interference. Jobe was caught flat-footed on a flea-flicker, allowing the Patriots to move deep into Seattle territory.
The Patriots extended their lead to 10-0 in the third quarter when Andy Borregales converted a 50-yard field goal.
Lock, 29, entered the game with a 10-18 record in 28 career starts during his first seven NFL seasons. He appeared in five games last season while Darnold started every game for Seattle.
Seattle also had Jalen Milroe available as its emergency third quarterback. Milroe was designated before the game as the team’s emergency option, meaning he was listed among the inactives but was suited up and could enter the game if both Darnold and Lock were unable to continue.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Darnold, who enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to win at least 14 regular-season games in consecutive seasons with two different teams. Darnold went 14-3 with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 before matching that regular-season win total with Seattle.
Darnold also earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection during his strong run with the Seahawks. According to ESPN Research, his 17 total wins, including the playoffs, were the most by a quarterback in his first season with a team.
With Darnold sidelined, Seattle will now rely on Lock to lead the offense, while the severity of Darnold’s hip injury and his availability for upcoming games remain key concerns for the Seahawks.
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