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Darnold’s injury, which the organization has characterized as a unique soft-tissue issue affecting his right glute, occurred early in the opener. The incident took place on just the fifth play of the game when Darnold was sacked from behind, causing his right knee to strike the turf with significant force. Despite the severity of the situation, the team has confirmed there are currently no plans to place him on injured reserve.
Drew Lock Set to Step In
With Darnold sidelined, the responsibility of leading the offense falls to Drew Lock. Lock previously stepped into the fray during the season opener against the New England Patriots, helping guide the Seahawks to a narrow 13-10 victory. His appearance on Sunday will mark his first start for the franchise since 2024.
The timeline of the injury highlights the intensity of the situation. After the initial hit, Darnold was observed hobbling off the field before undergoing an evaluation in the medical tent. He was subsequently taken to the locker room and later transported to Harborview Medical Center for further testing. Due to the level of discomfort he was experiencing, the quarterback remained at the medical facility overnight.
Following this weekend's contest against the Cardinals, the Seahawks face a challenging stretch of games. The reigning Super Bowl champions are scheduled to travel to face the Washington Commanders in Week 3, followed by a two-game homestand against the Los Angeles Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers in Weeks 4 and 5 respectively.
