The Seattle Seahawks’ season opener against the New England Patriots was marked by an alarming incident just five plays into the game. Quarterback Sam Darnold headed to the locker room with an injury, leaving fans anxious about his return.
Darnold was sacked during the Seahawks’ first series of the season by Patriots linebacker Dre’Mont Jones. The fall appeared awkward, with Darnold landing on his side. As the Seahawks prepared to punt, Darnold was seen limping. He entered the team’s medical tent, and after assessment, limped toward the locker room.
Darnold is now listed as questionable to come back to the game. Quarterback Drew Lock replaced him. The tackle by Jones was clean and without intent for harm, but Darnold’s fall onto the Lumen Field turf caused concern. Initially, Darnold jogged to the sideline, but play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico of NBC/Peacock noted his gait change.
The importance of Darnold to the Seahawks franchise is undeniable. His performance was crucial in the team’s recent Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. Darnold was instrumental in leading the team to raise another banner, much to the delight of the avid Seahawks fan base known as the “12s.”
Before joining the Seahawks, Darnold achieved a 14-3 regular season with the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his skills and revitalizing his career. Upon moving to Seattle in 2025, he replicated this regular-season record. Darnold’s stats included 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, completing 67.7% of his passes. In the postseason, he contributed five touchdown passes across three games, maintaining a clean record with zero interceptions.
Fans hope Darnold’s injury won’t result in extended absence. Drew Lock, who backed up Darnold last year and played briefly for the New York Giants before the Seahawks, now steps up. Lock has had 28 starts with a 10-18 record. His career stats include 6,369 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions over 41 games.