Source: Fox Sports
Summary
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will not play in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals due to a glute injury sustained in Week 1. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Darnold is not expected to go on injured reserve. Drew Lock will start in his place. Lock completed 72.7% of his passes for 187 yards and one touchdown in the Week 1 win over the Patriots. Darnold had 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025. The Seahawks are 9-0 against the Cardinals since 2025.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Darnold’s injury came early, just like always.
Lock steps in, as always.
Another week, another backup taking the reins.
Seahawks fans know the script by now.
Author: Evan Null
Sam Darnold’s Injury and the Seahawks’ Backup Plan
Sam Darnold’s injury in the first game of the season has forced the Seattle Seahawks to rely on backup quarterback Drew Lock for their Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The injury, a muscle strain in the glute, was reported by Fox Sports, and while it’s not a fracture, it has kept Darnold out of the game. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that the team does not anticipate placing Darnold on injured reserve, suggesting a short-term absence.
Darnold’s injury occurred during the Seahawks’ Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, where he was replaced by Lock. Lock performed well, throwing for 187 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His 72.7% completion rate and 113.3 passer rating helped the Seahawks win 13-10. With Lock starting, second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe remains on the bench as the backup.
Despite the injury, the Seahawks remain confident in Darnold’s return. The team’s optimism is based on the fact that the injury is not a fracture, which gives them hope for a quick recovery. Darnold, who had a strong 2025 season, finished with 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and a 99.1 passer rating. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection and led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl victory.
The Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Cardinals is set for Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX. Seattle has dominated the Cardinals in recent years, sweeping the 2025 season series and winning nine straight games against them. With Darnold out, the focus shifts to Lock and the team’s ability to maintain their momentum.
As the Seahawks prepare for their Week 2 matchup, the injury to Darnold highlights the ongoing challenges of relying on a backup quarterback. Fans have seen this scenario before, and they know the script: a starting quarterback gets hurt, a backup steps in, and the team continues to play. Whether that backup can carry the team through the season remains to be seen.
The Seahawks’ Backup Tradition
The Seahawks have a long history of relying on backup quarterbacks when their starters are injured. Drew Lock is the latest in a long line of backups who have stepped in for Seattle. While Lock performed well in Week 1, his performance against the Cardinals will be a key test for the team. If he struggles, the Seahawks may have to turn to Jalen Milroe, a second-year player with limited experience.
Darnold’s injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the Seahawks. Despite his strong 2025 season, he has now been sidelined in the early stages of the 2026 campaign. The team’s confidence in his return is based on the nature of the injury, but fans know that injuries can be unpredictable. The Seahawks have a deep roster, but they still rely heavily on Darnold’s leadership and performance.
The Seahawks’ success in 2025 was built on Darnold’s strong play, and his absence in Week 2 could be a challenge. However, the team has shown resilience in the past, and fans are hopeful that Lock can step up. The Seahawks have a strong defense and a solid running game, which could help offset any struggles from the quarterback position.
With the Super Bowl title still fresh in their minds, the Seahawks are determined to maintain their momentum. However, the injury to Darnold adds an element of uncertainty. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team handles this challenge and whether they can continue their winning ways without their starting quarterback.
The Seahawks’ backup tradition is not just a necessity—it’s a pattern. Every year, there’s a backup quarterback who steps in, and every year, the team adapts. Whether it’s Lock or Milroe, the Seahawks have the depth to handle the situation. But for now, the focus is on getting Darnold back on the field as soon as possible.
Week 2 Matchup Against the Cardinals
The Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals is a crucial test for the team. With Darnold out, the pressure is on Drew Lock to perform at a high level. The Cardinals have struggled in recent years, and the Seahawks have dominated the series, winning nine straight games. However, the Cardinals are not an easy opponent, and the Seahawks will need to be at their best to secure another win.
The game is set for Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, and fans are eager to see how the Seahawks handle the challenge. With Darnold sidelined, the team’s success will depend on the performance of Lock and the rest of the roster. The Seahawks have a strong defense, but the offense will need to step up if they want to maintain their momentum.
The Cardinals have had a tough time against the Seahawks in recent years, but they are not without their own strengths. The team has a solid defense and a capable quarterback, and they will be looking to make a statement against the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Seahawks will need to be focused and prepared for a tough challenge.
For the Seahawks, the Week 2 game is a chance to continue their winning streak and build on the success of the 2025 season. With Darnold out, the team will have to rely on its depth and resilience. Fans are hoping that Lock can step up and lead the team to another victory. If the Seahawks can handle the Cardinals, they will be in a strong position for the rest of the season.
The game is also a chance for the Seahawks to show that they can handle adversity. With Darnold out, the team has to prove that it can still compete at a high level. The Cardinals will be looking to make a statement, and the Seahawks will need to respond with a strong performance. Whether they can do that remains to be seen.
Darnold’s Role in the Seahawks’ Success
Sam Darnold has been a key player for the Seattle Seahawks since joining the team in 2025. His performance during the 2025 season was instrumental in leading the team to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl victory. Darnold’s 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 99.1 passer rating were standout numbers, and his Pro Bowl selection was a testament to his impact on the team.
Despite his success, Darnold has faced his share of challenges. The injury in Week 1 of the 2026 season has once again put the Seahawks in a difficult position. However, the team’s confidence in his return suggests that they believe he will be back soon. Darnold’s leadership and experience are crucial for the Seahawks, and his absence is a significant setback.
The Seahawks have shown that they can adapt when their starting quarterback is injured. Drew Lock has stepped in before, and the team has managed to win games. However, the long-term success of the team still depends on Darnold’s health and performance. If he can return to form, the Seahawks will be in a strong position to continue their dominance.
For now, the focus is on Lock and the team’s ability to handle the challenge. The Seahawks have a deep roster, but they still rely heavily on Darnold’s play. Fans are hoping that he can return soon and help the team maintain its momentum. The Super Bowl victory was a high point for the franchise, and the team is determined to build on that success.
Darnold’s injury is a reminder that even the best teams can face setbacks. However, the Seahawks have shown resilience in the past, and fans are confident that they can handle this challenge. Whether it’s Lock or Milroe, the team has the depth to keep going. But for now, the focus is on getting Darnold back on the field as soon as possible.
The Seahawks’ Road Ahead
The Seahawks’ road ahead is uncertain with Sam Darnold sidelined. While Drew Lock has shown promise, the team will need to rely on its depth and resilience to maintain its success. The injury to Darnold is a setback, but the Seahawks have a strong roster and a proven ability to adapt when faced with adversity.
The team’s performance in Week 2 against the Cardinals will be a key indicator of how well they can handle the challenge. If Lock can step up and lead the team to another win, the Seahawks will be in a strong position for the rest of the season. However, if the offense struggles, the team may have to look to Jalen Milroe for help.
The Seahawks’ success in 2025 was built on Darnold’s strong play, and his absence in 2026 adds an element of uncertainty. However, the team has shown that it can handle setbacks, and fans are hopeful that they can continue their winning ways. The Super Bowl victory was a high point for the franchise, and the team is determined to build on that success.
The Seahawks have a deep roster, but they still rely heavily on Darnold’s leadership and performance. His injury is a challenge, but the team has the depth to handle it. Whether it’s Lock or Milroe, the Seahawks have the ability to keep going. However, the long-term success of the team will depend on Darnold’s return to form.
For now, the focus is on the Week 2 game and the team’s ability to handle the challenge. The Seahawks have a strong defense and a solid running game, which could help offset any struggles from the quarterback position. Fans are hoping that the team can continue its winning ways and prove that it can handle adversity. Whether they can do that remains to be seen.
