Sam Darnold Injury Update: What Happened to the Seahawks QB Against the Patriots?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury during the team's 2026 NFL season opener against the New England Patriots, immediately raising questions among NFL fans: Is Sam Darnold injured? What happened to Sam Darnold? Is Sam Darnold out? And why was Drew Lock playing?

The Seahawks eventually ruled Darnold out for the remainder of the game, but the latest medical news provides some relief for Seattle.

What Happened to Sam Darnold?

Sam Darnold suffered the injury during Seattle's opening offensive drive after being sacked by Patriots defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones.

Darnold appeared to favor his right hip/leg after the play. He initially went to the medical tent before heading toward the locker room. The Seahawks later announced that he would not return to the game.

Darnold finished the game with 1 completion on 2 attempts for 13 yards.

Is Sam Darnold Injured?

Yes. Darnold suffered a hip injury during the Seahawks vs. Patriots game.

The encouraging news is that initial testing did not show a hip fracture. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said doctors were able to rule out a fracture, although additional testing was still required.

Darnold was scheduled to undergo an MRI for a more complete evaluation. Because the MRI results are important for determining the severity of the injury, his status for Seattle's next game remains uncertain.

Is Sam Darnold Out for the Season?

There is currently no confirmation that Sam Darnold is out for the season.

A fracture was ruled out on the initial testing, which is positive news. However, the Seahawks still need the MRI and further evaluation before determining how long Darnold could be sidelined.

So claims that Darnold is already out for the season should not be treated as confirmed.

Why Is Drew Lock Playing?

With Darnold unable to continue, Drew Lock took over at quarterback for Seattle.

Lock delivered an important performance under pressure, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown as the Seahawks came back from an early deficit.

His biggest moment came when Seattle's offense finally found its rhythm late in the game.

Seahawks vs Patriots Final Score

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13–10 in a dramatic NFL season-opening rematch.

Seattle trailed early but mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. Drew Lock helped lead the offense while the Seahawks defense repeatedly pressured Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye finished with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Seattle intercepted him three times in the fourth quarter, with Josh Jobe making the game-sealing interception in the end zone with only seconds remaining.

Seahawks vs Patriots Key Player Stats

Sam Darnold — Seahawks QB

• 1/2 passing
• 13 passing yards
• Left game with hip injury

Drew Lock — Seahawks QB

• 16/22 passing
• 187 passing yards
• 1 touchdown

Drake Maye — Patriots QB

• 178 passing yards
• 1 touchdown
• 3 interceptions

Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Seahawks WR

• 8 receptions
• 122 receiving yards
• 1 touchdown

What Happens Next for Sam Darnold?

The biggest question now is whether Darnold will be healthy enough to play in Seattle's next game.

The Seahawks have already received encouraging news because the initial scans ruled out a fracture. However, the MRI results and Darnold's recovery during practice will provide a much clearer picture.

Until those results are available, the Seahawks could potentially prepare Drew Lock to start if Darnold cannot play.

Seahawks QB Depth Chart

Seattle entered the 2026 season with Sam Darnold, Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe among its quarterbacks. That gives the Seahawks additional depth while they wait for a final update on Darnold.

For now, the main takeaway is simple: Sam Darnold is injured, but there is no confirmed indication that he is out for the season.

Fans will be watching closely for the next Sam Darnold injury update.

Final Takeaway

Sam Darnold's early exit was one of the biggest stories of the Seahawks vs. Patriots game, but Seattle still managed to escape with a 13–10 victory.

The initial medical results are encouraging, with a fracture ruled out. The MRI should provide more information about the severity of the hip injury and whether Darnold can return soon.

Is Sam Darnold playing next week? That answer remains uncertain until the Seahawks receive and evaluate the MRI results.