Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury that knocked him out of the season opener against the New England Patriots, according to coach Mike Macdonald. Darnold exited on just the fifth play of the team’s first drive after being sacked by Dre’Mont Jones, casting an immediate shadow over the franchise’s title defense in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.
Examining the Severity of Sam Darnold’s Hip Injury
According to coach Mike Macdonald, medical staff ruled out any broken bones following initial examinations, though the quarterback requires further tests to determine the full extent of the damage. Darnold sustained the injury when Jones drove him to the turf on Seattle’s opening series, with his right leg absorbing the brunt of the impact. The 29-year-old quarterback limped off the field, underwent evaluation in the sideline medical tent, and ultimately headed to the locker room. Team officials initially listed him as questionable before ruling him out before halftime.
Did you know? Sam Darnold did not miss a single game last season, starting all 17 matchups and leading the Seahawks to a franchise-record 14 wins and a Super Bowl title before this sudden exit.
Drew Lock Steps In to Lead Seahawks Victory
Backup quarterback Drew Lock took over the offense after Darnold’s departure and finished 16 of 22 for 187 yards and one touchdown, guiding the Seahawks to a 13-10 comeback win. Lock endured a shaky start while the Patriots built a 10-3 lead in the fourth quarter, but he connected with star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a fourth-and-1 play that turned into a 45-yard touchdown dash. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba noted after the game that losing Darnold is tough, calling him the head of the snake, while expressing full trust in Lock’s ability to step in.
Comparison of Quarterback Paths in Seattle
The sudden shift at quarterback highlights two very different career trajectories within the Seahawks roster:
- Sam Darnold: Revived his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 by throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, followed by a 4,048-yard campaign with Seattle last year. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he endured a rocky initial stretch with a 13-25 record and a 78.6 passer rating over three seasons.
- Drew Lock: A second-round pick out of Missouri by the Denver Broncos, Lock started in 2020 with 2,933 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He spent two stints with Seattle between 2022 and 2023, playing mostly in mop-up duty last season as Darnold commanded every snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Sam Darnold’s injury?
Sam Darnold sustained a hip injury when New England Patriots defender Dre’Mont Jones sacked him on the fifth play of Seattle’s opening drive, driving him hard into the turf.
Are there any broken bones?
No. According to coach Mike Macdonald, initial medical tests ruled out a fracture, though additional evaluations are required.
Who replaced Sam Darnold in the game?
Backup quarterback Drew Lock replaced Darnold, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown to secure a 13-10 victory.
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