Seahawks say Sam Darnold's hip injury is not a fracture, MRI pending
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold left the season opener with a hip injury, but doctors have ruled out a fracture. He will undergo an MRI on Thursday, while backup Drew Lock led a comeback win over New England.
Seattle's defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks faced a setback in their season opener when starting quarterback Sam Darnold exited after five plays with a hip injury. Coach Mike Macdonald said post-game examinations have ruled out a fracture, though further testing, including an MRI scheduled for Thursday, will determine the quarterback's recovery timeline.
Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped in, completing 72.7% of his passes and throwing a 45-yard touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, helping Seattle erase a 10-0 deficit and secure a 13-10 lead. Lock later added a short run and a pass that set up the field goal that clinched the win.
Lock described the experience as "an awesome night" and noted he prepares by drawing plays on a whiteboard at home. Receiver Cooper Kupp said Lock had not taken reps in practice during the week but performed well under pressure. Smith-Njigba emphasized the team's resolve, stating, "We don't waiver. We don't run from adversity."
The Seahawks will await the MRI results to confirm Darnold's status, while the team remains confident about its ability to compete despite the early injury.