The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl title defense took a concerning turn Wednesday night. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold was knocked down on a sack by former Seahawks defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones and came up limping before heading into the medical tent during the first quarter against the New England Patriots.
Darnold remained on the ground after the play before getting up and limping toward the sideline. He went into the medical tent for further evaluation, and the broadcast later reported that he was receiving X-rays in the locker room. Drew Lock took over at quarterback as Seattle assessed its starter.
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The Seahawks announced that Darnold was questionable to return with a hip injury before the team officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game in the second quarter, ending his night after just one offensive series.
It is a concerning blow for the Seahawks as an extended absence would force Seattle to play without Darnold, who is expected to lead the team in 2026.
Darnold is entering his second season with the team after helping lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title in his first year. He threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns during the 2025 regular season before guiding Seattle through a postseason run that ended with a 29-13 victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Seattle’s next game is not until Sept. 20, when the Seahawks travel to face the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Darnold’s status for that matchup is now in doubt, and the team will have nearly two weeks to evaluate the injury and determine whether its starting quarterback can return.
The somewhat good news for the Seahawks is that Darnold’s replacement is familiar with Seattle’s offense. Lock spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Seahawks and returned to the franchise this offseason as Darnold’s backup. His experience gives Seattle an option it knows well if Darnold is not fit to play the next game.
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