Sam Darnold exits with hip injury as Patriots lead Seahawks

The New England Patriots established a 7-0 advantage over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle on the night of September 9, 2026, during an NFL regular season clash that remains in progress. Tight end Eli Raridon inaugurated the scoring during the second quarter when he secured his first professional career touchdown by hauling in a thrown pass along the back boundary line of the end zone.

The decisive scoring advance for the visiting team gathered momentum when receiver A.J. Brown slipped behind the defensive coverage on a flea-flicker trick play, drawing a crucial pass interference penalty against defender Josh Jobe right before kicker A. Borregales successfully converted the subsequent point-after attempt.

Learn more: Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffers hip injury just five snaps into season opener, status questionable for immediate return

Drew Lock steps in after hip injury knocks Seattle starter out

Starting quarterback Sam Darnold limped off the field after absorbing a defensive sack during the initial offensive possession of the Seattle Seahawks. Drew Lock took over. The Seattle Seahawks coaching staff officially designated the return of Sam Darnold to the field as questionable due to pain in his hip area before the player headed into the locker room.

The Seattle roster kept young backup Jalen Milroe on the active list of available players as an emergency third quarterback for the subsequent stages of the game. During that opening offensive drive by Seattle, defensive standout Dre’Mont Jones brought down the opposing passer behind the line of scrimmage to record his first sack while wearing the New England uniform.

Prior to the start of the game, former team standout Kam Chancellor participated in a special stadium ceremony to hoist the commemorative banner marking the Seattle Seahawks championship victory in Super Bowl LX.