Sam Darnold (hip) exits Seahawks-Patriots season opener, questionable to return; Drew Lock in for Seattle

Darnold went back to the locker room and was ruled out just before halftime Sep 9, 2026 at 9:37 pm ET • 1 min read Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold went to the locker room after suffering a hip injury on a sack taken on Seattle's first drive of the season. Drew Lock entered the game for Seattle's second drive, and Darnold was officially listed as out just before halftime. Darnold was getting further tests on his hip off-site. Darnold was clearly hobbled as he headed to the sideline, and according to the NBC broadcast, he initially waived off medical staff. But eventually he was examined and taken back to the locker room, his gait clearly affected by the injury.Darnold, 29, was excellent in his debut season in Seattle, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in the regular season. He was even better in big games, including two key wins over the Rams. He threw for 346 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the NFC Championship before the defense led the way in the Super Bowl.Lock has significant starting experience, first with the Broncos and then with the Giants, but he attempted just three passes last year as Darnold stayed healthy. Jalen Milroe is the Seahawks' emergency third quarterback. Overall, Lock is 10-18 as a starter with a career completion percentage under 60%. He did get significant action this preseason and played solidly.