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Source: NFL Media
Summary
Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury in the Seahawks’ season opener against the Patriots and was replaced by Drew Lock, who led Seattle to a 13-10 win. An MRI showed no fracture, but Darnold is expected to miss time. The Seahawks’ next games are against the Cardinals and Commanders, with Lock likely to start. Darnold, in his second season with Seattle, was named to the Pro Bowl last year.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Darnold limped off after a sack, didn’t come back.
Lock stepped in, played well, led a win.
Coaches said no fracture, but no timetable for return.
The script: injury, backup, survival, uncertainty.
Author: Evan Null
Seattle Seahawks Fans Breathe
Seattle Seahawks fans, breathe. While Sam Darnold will likely miss at least one game due to a hip injury he suffered in the team’s Wednesday night season opener against the New England Patriots, an MRI has determined that Seattle’s starting quarterback “dodged a bullet” and shouldn’t miss an extended period of time, NFL Media reported on Thursday afternoon.
Darnold Suffers Injury, Lock Steps In
Darnold hobbled off the field after being sacked on Seattle’s opening drive on Wednesday night and didn’t return. The Seahawks later announced that Darnold sustained a hip injury and wouldn’t return, with backup Drew Lock stepping in and helping Seattle pull off a come-from-behind 13-10 victory over New England.
Coach Confirms No Fracture
After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald revealed the team was “able to rule out a fracture” regarding Darnold’s hip.
Lock Steps Up in Darnold’s Absence
In what was a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which the Seahawks won 29-13, Lock finished with 187 passing yards, one passing touchdown, no interceptions and a 113.3 passer rating, while completing 72.7% of his passes (16 of 22).
Future Starts Likely for Lock
If Darnold misses time, Lock would presumably become Seattle’s starting quarterback, with second-year signal caller and 2025 third-round pick Jalen Milroe serving as the backup quarterback. Lock has made 28 starts over his seven-plus-year NFL career (2019-present), most recently making five starts for the New York Giants in 2024.
