NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Seattle Seahawks and their fans were holding their breath for quarterback Sam Darnold right out of the gate after he suffered an injury on the very first drive of the Week 1 game against the New England Patriots on Wednesday night.
Darnold suffered a hip injury on the opening drive and after limping off the field, he was eventually ruled out for the rest of the contest.
Thankfully, we have an injury update following the game that leads to hope he has avoided a significant injury.
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Sam Darnold injury update
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, head coach Mike Macdonald revealed Darnold had a CT scan and X-ray and doctors ruled out a fracture.
However, Darnold still has to undergo an MRI, so he isn’t out of the woods yet.
“Seahawks QB Sam Darnold received positive news following his CT scan and coach Mike Macdonald said doctors ruled out a fracture. He’ll have an MRI tomorrow for more info, but the belief after an X-Ray and CT scan is Darnold avoided major injury,” Rapoport wrote. “MRI will be the final word.”
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This is obviously good news initially, but the Seahawks and their fans won’t really be able to rest easy until the results of that MRI come back.
We’ll see if an update comes on Thursday morning.
Drew Lock holds down the fort
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) talks with quarterback Drew Lock (2) prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
It wasn’t all good, but with a huge assist from the defense, Drew Lock did just enough to lead the Seahawks to a victory.
Lock completed 16-of-22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown, and he didn’t turn the ball over, which was crucial.
His biggest play of the game came on a 45-yard strike to star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba that saw the reigning Offensive Player of the Year explode to the end zone.
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While Lock should be able to keep the Seahawks afloat in the short term, Seattle might be in trouble if Darnold is out for an extended period of time.
If that ends up being the case, the Seahawks should explore their options at quarterback just in case Lock struggles or gets hurt, in which case Seattle would have to rely on a shaky and unproven Jalen Milroe to guide them through the storm.