Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold exits game after five snaps with hip injury
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold was taken to the medical tent after a sack by New England's Dre'Mont Jones and is listed as questionable for his return, with Drew Lock assuming quarterback duties.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold left the field early in the season opener after being sacked on the team's first offensive series. The New England Patriots linebacker Dre'Mont Jones hit Darnold, who landed awkwardly on his side and began limping as the Seahawks prepared to punt. He was subsequently escorted to the team's medical tent and later to the locker room. The Seahawks have classified Darnold as questionable, and backup quarterback Drew Lock took over for the remainder of the game.
"He landed awkwardly on his side and was noticeably limping," a team spokesperson said.
The injury appears to be related to the fall on Lumen Field turf rather than any malicious intent by Jones. Darnold, who posted a 14-3 regular-season record with the Minnesota Vikings last year and matched that record in his first season with Seattle, threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2025. In the postseason he recorded five touchdowns without an interception.
Lock, who previously served as Darnold's backup in Seattle and has experience with the New York Giants, has started 28 games in his career, compiling a 10-18 record with 34 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.
The Seahawks and their fans will monitor Darnold's condition to determine how long he may be sidelined.