Just five snaps into the new NFL season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was back in the locker room with an injury.
Darnold was sacked during the Seahawks' first series of the season by New England Patriots linebacker Dre'Mont Jones, and he appeared to land awkwardly on his side.
When the Seahawks went back to the sideline to punt away, Darnold was noticeably limping. He eventually went into the blue medical tent, and after deliberation from the Seahawks' medical team, he began limping his way to the locker room.
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Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks looks on after a play against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the game at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Darnold is now officially questionable to return, as Drew Lock took over at quarterback for Seattle.
There was nothing malicious about Jones’ play as he tracked down Darnold. The issue came from his fall onto the Lumen Field turf.
Darnold seemed fine initially when he began jogging to the sideline, but the limp slowly came in. NBC/Peacock play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico noticed Darnold's gait, calling it out over the NFL's first broadcast of the year. Surely enough, he went into the medical tent and hasn't returned since.
It goes without saying how important Darnold is to the Seahawks franchise. He's a big reason why the team was able to lift another Super Bowl banner on Wednesday night, as the loyal "12s" cheered for the victory that came at the expense of these same Patriots back in February.
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Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to the NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Darnold, who was coming off a 14-3 season with the Minnesota Vikings that revitalized his career as a starter, matched that same regular-season record in his first year with Seattle in 2025. He threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, completing 67.7% of his passes.
In the postseason, Darnold threw five touchdowns across the Seahawks’ three victories with no interceptions.
Now, the Seahawks and its fan base will hope that whatever injury he is dealing with won't be serious enough to miss significant time.
Meanwhile, Lock backed up Darnold in 2025 after spending a previous season in Seattle in 2023. He served as the backup for the New York Giants as well before getting five starts in 2024.
Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks hands the ball off to Jadarian Price #8 against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the game at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
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Over Lock’s career, he’s earned 28 starts, going 10-18 over that span. He has thrown for 6,369 yards with 34 touchdowns and 28 interceptions over 41 appearances.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
