NFL15 Sept 20262 minute read

Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold Sidelined With Unique Injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with a unique soft tissue injury and is expected to miss the team's upcoming game against Arizona.

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Darnold Suffers Rare Injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with what the team describes as a very unique soft tissue injury. The team announced on Monday that the injury is short term and his hip joint is unaffected. However, there is currently no firm timeline for when he will return to the field. He is expected to miss Seattle's Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The injury happened early in the first quarter of Seattle's season opening 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots. On just the fifth play of the game, Darnold was sacked from behind and his right knee hit the turf. He hobbled off the field and went into the medical tent before limping to the locker room.

The injury is located in the area of his right glute. Darnold was taken to Harborview Medical Center during the game for testing. He spent the night at the hospital, partly because of the high level of discomfort he was experiencing.

Lock Steps In

Drew Lock came into the game to replace Darnold and helped guide the Seahawks to their opening win. Lock is now expected to make his first start since the 2024 season. The Seahawks have not brought in any free agent quarterbacks for tryouts following the injury.

Instead, Jalen Milroe will serve as the primary backup behind Lock. Milroe was a third round draft pick in 2025 and spent most of his rookie season as a healthy scratch. Darnold was seen at the Seahawks headquarters on Monday, but he did not participate in the warmup period of practice, which was the only part open to the media.

After the upcoming match against Arizona, the reigning Super Bowl champions face a busy schedule. They visit the Washington Commanders in Week 3, host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, and then host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.

What it means for the next game

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Arizona Cardinals win 30%, Seattle Seahawks win 70%; projected score Arizona Cardinals 18, Seattle Seahawks 24. Our safest pick: Seahawks to win. Our best value pick: Seahawks -4.5.