Seahawks' Darnold Avoids Serious Injury Despite Hip Strain

Sam Darnold is expected to miss at least one game after suffering a hip injury in Seattle's Wednesday night season opener, but an MRI showed no fracture and the Seahawks quarterback is not facing a long-term absence, NFL Media reported Thursday. According to the Ringer, the exam revealed a muscle strain, sparing Darnold a stint on injured reserve.

Darnold left the field after being sacked on Seattle's opening drive and did not return. Backup Drew Lock took over and led the Seahawks to a 13-10 comeback win over the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which Seattle won 29-13. Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, posting a 113.3 passer rating without an interception. Head coach Mike Macdonald said after the game that the team had "ruled out a fracture." bare knuckle boxing betting online

Darnold, 29, is entering his second season in Seattle after earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection in 2025, when he threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 67.7% of his passes in a 14-3 campaign. Lock, a seven-year NFL veteran with 28 career starts, last started five games for the New York Giants in 2024. Third-round rookie Jalen Milroe would serve as backup should Lock take over the starting role.

With Darnold considered doubtful for next week, Lock is expected to start as Seattle travels to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 20, followed by a road matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27. His timeline for return will depend on how the strain responds to treatment in the coming days.