Thursday brought about further testing on Sam Darnold’s hip injury. The worst-case scenario seems to have been avoided, but an absence could still be in store.
The Seahawks’ starting quarterback is expected to miss Week 2, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport report. Darnold underwent an MRI on Thursday after a CT scan proved to be inconclusive last night. He remained in hospital overnight, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the issue is primarily one of pain management at this point.
“The hip is intact and it’s good,” head coach Mike Macdonald said when providing an update on Darnold’s status. “It’s more of a muscle thing. So that’s good news. Now, how long that is, we don’t know yet. But really, really good news. So we’re really happy for Sam.”
The fact that a long-term absence is not expected is of course positive news for the defending champions, although Darnold is slated to be sidelined against the Cardinals next week as things stand. That contest will take place on September 20, with Seattle’s Week 3 matchup (against the Commanders) coming seven days later. A patient approach with respect to Darnold’s recovery timeline would come as no surprise early in the season.
Drew Lock remains in place as Seattle’s backup quarterback. The eighth-year veteran took over from Darnold early last night, completing 16 of 22 attempts for 187 yards and the Seahawks’ only touchdown in their season-opening victory. Lock would be in line for the start provided Darnold misses next week; that would result in Jalen Milroe handling QB2 duties for at least one game.
Darnold, 29, thrived during his debut Seattle campaign with over 4,000 passing yards and 14 regular-season wins (matching his mark on those fronts from 2024 in Minnesota). He will be counted on to deliver similar results in 2025, something which would likely result in a raise from the $33.5MM-per-year pact which was signed in free agency last spring. Darnold’s immediate future will remain something to monitor closely, but a lengthy spell with Lock atop the QB depth chart does not appear to be forthcoming.