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Sam Darnold’s season opener with the Seattle Seahawks ended earlier than expected after the quarterback suffered a right hip injury against the New England Patriots on Wednesday night. The good news came later, with coach Mike Macdonald confirming that initial testing found no fracture.
Sam Darnold Injury Update
Darnold underwent an X-ray and CT scan during Seattle’s 13-10 comeback win, with Macdonald describing the results as “great news.” The quarterback is set to undergo an MRI on Thursday, which should provide a clearer picture of the injury.
Darnold limped off the field after a sack on third down ended the opening drive of the game.
Patriots defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones pulled Darnold down as the QB was trying to escape the pocket on a coverage sack. Darnold, who led the team to a Super Bowl championship last season, was able to get to the sideline without assistance but hobbled toward the bench.
Darnold, 29, was ruled out before halftime following an examination in the locker room.
What Happened To Sam Darnold In Seahawks vs Patriots NFL Game?
Drew Lock replaced Darnold to begin Seattle’s second series, which also ended with a punt.
The medical staff chatted with Darnold briefly before he entered the blue medical tent behind Seattle’s bench. When Darnold emerged from the tent, he donned a blue Seahawks baseball cap and left the sideline area with medical staff for additional testing.
Darnold completed one of his two pass attempts, a 13-yard connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Drew Lock Leads Seahawks to Comeback Win
Lock wound up guiding the Seahawks to a come-from-behind win, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. As Darnold’s backup last year, Lock attempted just three passes all season, completing two for 15 yards.
Lock, 29, owns a career 10-18 record as a starter with the Denver Broncos (2019-21), Seattle (2023, 2025-26) and the New York Giants (2024).