Seattle Seahawks’ Quarterback Sam Darnold Injured in Season Opener

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold left the field due to an injury just five plays into the new NFL season. During the Seahawks’ initial series against the New England Patriots, Darnold was sacked by linebacker Dre’Mont Jones and fell awkwardly on his side.

When the Seahawks returned to the sideline to punt, Darnold was visibly limping. After conferring with the Seahawks’ medical team in the blue tent, he slowly made his way to the locker room.

Darnold’s status is now officially questionable for return. Drew Lock has taken over the quarterback position for Seattle. There was no malicious intent in Jones’ tackle, but the impact of Darnold’s fall on the Lumen Field turf caused concern.

Initially, Darnold appeared unaffected as he jogged to the sideline. However, a limp developed over time. NBC/Peacock announcer Mike Tirico noticed this change and mentioned it during the broadcast.

Darnold is crucial to the Seahawks franchise; he played a significant role in their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in February. The team’s dedicated fan base, known as the “12s,” celebrated this accomplishment.

Last season, Darnold revived his career with the Minnesota Vikings, achieving a 14-3 regular season. In his debut season with Seattle in 2025, he replicated this record, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, with a 67.7% pass completion rate.

During the postseason, he threw five touchdowns and zero interceptions across three victories for the Seahawks. Fans now hope Darnold’s injury is not severe enough to sideline him for long.

In the interim, Lock, who served as Darnold’s backup in 2025 and played for Seattle in 2023, steps up. He formerly backed up for the New York Giants, starting five games in 2024.

Lock’s career includes 28 starts with a record of 10-18, accumulating 6,369 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 41 appearances.

Scott Thompson, a sports writer for Fox News Digital, provided this coverage.