Seattle loses Sam Darnold to hip injury during season opener By Luís Henrique Costa
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Quarterback Sam Darnold injured his right hip and departed the Seattle Seahawks’ season opener against the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026, in Seattle. Darnold landed hard on his right knee after taking a direct hit from Dre’Mont Jones, briefly visited the sideline medical evaluation tent, and then limped toward the locker room while the Seattle Seahawks offense returned to the field for their second offensive possession.
Medical personnel ruled Darnold out.
Drew Lock steps in as penalties stall Seattle drives
Backup quarterback Drew Lock took over under center and completed six of his first eight passes for 51 passing yards. Lock converted a critical third-and-22 by delivering a 21-yard completion to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle committed four penalties across the first two quarters, including an offside infraction that erased a one-yard rush by tight end AJ Barner.
Lock holds a 10-18 career record as an NFL starter across his first seven seasons in the league. He also appeared in five contests during the previous campaign serving as Darnold’s primary backup.
Drake Maye builds New England lead before halftime
In this Super Bowl LX rematch, the New England Patriots established a 7-0 lead during the second quarter when Drake Maye threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Eli Raridon. Andy Borregales pushed the margin to 10-0 in the third quarter by drilling a 50-yard field goal. That scoring kick followed a defensive pass interference penalty assessed against cornerback Josh Jobe.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe dressed as the designated third emergency quarterback, remaining available on the sideline only if another injury struck the position.
