RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with what the team described as a "very unique soft-tissue" injury that is not expected to sideline him long term.
With reports circulating over the weekend about Darnold's prognosis after he was injured early in Wednesday's season-opening win over the visiting New England Patriots, the Seahawks released a statement to local reporters Monday also explaining that the quarterback's hip joint is unaffected. The team called it a "short-term injury" but said there is no firm timeline for Darnold's return.
Sources previously told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Darnold is expected to at least miss the Seahawks' Week 2 game at the Arizona Cardinals. Drew Lock, who stepped in for Darnold and quarterbacked the Seahawks to a 13-10 win over the Patriots, is in line to make his first start since 2024.
The Seahawks have not brought in any quarterbacks for tryouts. Jalen Milroe, a 2025 third-round draft pick who was regularly a healthy scratch during his rookie season, is Seattle's QB3.
Darnold was at Seahawks headquarters Monday but was not on the field during the warmup period of practice, which is all media members are allowed to view.
Darnold's injury is in the area of his right glute. He was hurt on the fifth play of the opener when his right knee hit the turf as he was being sacked from behind. He hobbled off the field then limped into the locker room after being examined in the medical tent. The Seahawks eventually ruled Darnold out with what they announced as a hip injury.
He was taken to Harborview Medical Center for testing during the game and stayed there overnight, in part because of how much discomfort he was in.
Following the Arizona game, the reigning Super Bowl champions will visit the Washington Commanders in Week 3 then host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 and the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5.
Information from ESPN's Field Yates was used in this report.
