Sam Darnold Set for MRI After Sustaining Hip Injury in Season Opener

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was ruled out of Wednesday's 13-10 win over the Patriots after injuring his hip on the opening drive.

The Seattle Seahawks opened their season with a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots on Wednesday night, despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a right hip injury on the game's fifth play. Darnold was injured when he was sacked from behind by Dre'Mont Jones on third down, landing hard on his right knee. Although he initially hobbled to the medical tent, he was later ruled out and transported to Harborview Medical Center for a CT scan. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that tests have ruled out a fracture, but Darnold is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday to determine the full extent of the damage.

Backup quarterback Drew Lock completed 16-of-22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown to secure the win. Trailing 10-3 in the fourth quarter, Lock connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a 45-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. The Seahawks' defense recorded three interceptions against Drake Maye in the final period, including a tip-drill pick by Nehemiah Pritchett and a game-sealing interception in the end zone by Josh Jobe. Kicker Jason Myers provided the winning margin with field goals of 30 and 26 yards.

Seattle overcame seven offensive penalties, including four false starts, to move to 1-0. While Macdonald expressed optimism regarding the lack of a fracture, it remains uncertain if Darnold will be available for the team's September 20 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Lock, who previously started five games for the New York Giants in 2024, is the primary option if Darnold remains sidelined.