Sam Darnold Suffers Painful Setback Just 6 Plays Into Season Opener, Leaves Game For X-Rays [VIDEO]
He went down hard early in the rematch.
Sam Darnold’s night didn’t stay clean for long. The Seahawks quarterback went down hard under pressure just minutes into Seattle’s season opener against New England.
The moment came on third-and-6 near midfield, with Seattle trying to build on an early first-down run from rookie back Jadarian Price. Patriots defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones got home for the sack, and Darnold limped noticeably as he walked toward the sideline afterward.
Sam Darnold Got His Leg CRUSHED By Dre’Mont Jones.
5th Play Of The Season, Very Unfortunate. https://t.co/4XVyyskumS
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 10, 2026
Darnold headed straight to the blue medical tent for evaluation. Shortly after that, he headed down the tunnel and into the locker room for x-rays.
Sam Darnold heads to the locker room with injury.
Drew Lock enters the game for Seattle. https://t.co/bcRXOkcB0z
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 10, 2026
Sam Darnold Used To Playing Through Pain
Sam Darnold. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
If Darnold returns, it wouldn’t be the first time Darnold has pushed through pain against this exact opponent. He played the entirety of Super Bowl LX back in February while managing a left oblique injury, ultimately helping Seattle to a 29-13 win over New England.
Seattle enters this season with plenty riding on Darnold’s health
The Seahawks lost both Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak this offseason, leaving an even heavier burden on their quarterback to carry the offense.
Drew Lock Comes In As Next Man Up
Drew Lock (2) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. (Travis Register-Imagn Images)
Backup Drew Lock waited in the wings as Seattle’s contingency plan, just as he did during the team’s championship run last season. Lock has yet to start a playoff game in his career, but he has experience stepping in when needed.
New England, meanwhile, arrived hoping to atone for last season’s lopsided Super Bowl loss. The Patriots added receiver A.J. Brown this offseason specifically to support quarterback Drake Maye after his rough postseason performance.
NBC‘s broadcast team has since offered an update, announcing Darnold as questionable to return with a hip injury. The designation confirmed that Seattle was treating the injury as more than precautionary, even as the severity remained unknown.
