SEATTLE – The status of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold remains in limbo following his early exit from Wednesday night’s season opener against the New England Patriots. While coach Mike Macdonald provided a glimmer of optimism on Thursday, confirming that the injury is not a structural fracture, the reigning Super Bowl champion’s availability for next week’s matchup in Arizona is far from certain.
Darnold, 29, was forced out of the game during the Seahawks’ opening series after being taken down by Patriots defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. The quarterback was seen limping noticeably as he exited the field, and he did not return to the contest. The immediate concern of a major injury sent a wave of anxiety through the Seattle fan base, but initial medical evaluations have since ruled out a break.
“The hip is intact, and it’s good,” Macdonald stated during a local radio appearance on Thursday. “It’s more like a muscle thing. So that’s good. So how long that is? We don’t know yet.”
The Seahawks managed to navigate the uncertainty on the field thanks to backup Drew Lock. Thrust into action early, Lock proved more than capable, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and throwing a key touchdown to lead Seattle to a resilient 13-10 comeback victory.
The injury serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the NFL season for a Seahawks team coming off a historic year. In 2025, Darnold was the model of durability and efficiency, starting every game while leading Seattle to a franchise-record 14 regular-season wins and an eventual Super Bowl title. His contributions were significant, as he threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His ability to stay on the field was a cornerstone of the team’s championship run, making his current absence a potential hurdle for the franchise as they attempt to defend their crown.
For now, the team is taking a cautious approach. While Macdonald confirmed that additional tests are forthcoming to determine the severity of the muscle injury, he stopped short of setting a return timeline. With the team scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals on September 20, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Darnold will be cleared for action or if the team will need to rely on Lock once again.
As the Seahawks look to build on their momentum from the season-opening win, the organization remains focused on the long-term health of their signal-caller. Whether Darnold is back under center next week or sidelined for further recovery, the team’s ability to rally in the face of adversity—as evidenced by their performance against the Patriots—will remain their most vital asset in the early stages of their title defense.
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