Overview
- Sam Darnold left the season opener after a sack and was later diagnosed with an unusual muscle strain in his hip area, with initial imaging showing no fracture.
- Sources say Darnold is expected to miss the Week 2 game and could be available as soon as Week 3, but the exact timetable remains under medical review.
- The Seahawks currently have no plan to place Darnold on injured reserve, a designation that would force a multi-week absence under NFL rules.
- Backup Drew Lock relieved Darnold on Wednesday, completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, and is the expected starter while Darnold recovers.
- Analysts have floated trade options as a contingency, but those discussions are speculative and the team’s immediate focus is short-term roster and medical evaluations.