In a challenging start to the NFL season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold left the field after just five plays due to an injury. The incident occurred during the team’s first series when New England Patriots linebacker Dre’Mont Jones sacked Darnold. It seemed Darnold landed awkwardly on his side.
After returning to the sideline with a noticeable limp, Darnold was examined in the blue medical tent. After the assessment by Seattle’s medical staff, he proceeded to the locker room. With Darnold’s status now officially questionable for return, Drew Lock stepped in as Seattle’s quarterback.
Jones’ tackle on Darnold was clean; the injury resulted from the impact on the Lumen Field turf. Initially, Darnold showed no apparent issues as he jogged, but the limp developed soon after. NBC/Peacock commentator Mike Tirico noted the limp during the broadcast. Darnold hasn’t returned to the field since.
Sam Darnold’s importance to the Seahawks is significant. He played a key role in their recent Super Bowl win. The team celebrated this success against the Patriots only months ago.
Darnold joined the Seahawks after a remarkable 14-3 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2025, his first year with Seattle, he matched that record, passing for 4,048 yards, with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and a completion rate of 67.7%. During the postseason, he threw five touchdowns without any interceptions.
The Seahawks and their fans now face uncertainty about Darnold’s return. His injury’s severity remains unknown, but the hope is that he won’t miss a significant amount of time.
Drew Lock, who backed up Darnold in 2025, now fills the quarterback role. Lock previously spent a season in Seattle in 2023 and then joined the New York Giants, having five starts in 2024. Throughout his career, Lock has started 28 games, achieving a 10-18 record. He accumulated 6,369 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 41 appearances.
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