Seattle – In Thursday night’s matchup against the New England Patriots, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was forced to leave the field after a third‑down sack that appeared to aggravate a hip injury. Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones got a clean hit on Darnold, and the quarterback hobbled off without assistance before being escorted to the team’s medical area.
Team officials confirmed the injury is related to Darnold’s hip and listed him as “questionable” for a return later in the game. The Seahawks turned to backup quarterback Drew Lock, who stepped in for the second series and saw the drive end with a punt.
Medical evaluation and next steps
Medical staff briefly examined Darnold on the sideline before moving him to the blue medical tent behind the bench. After a short period of evaluation, Darnold emerged wearing a Seahawks baseball cap and was escorted back to the sideline for additional testing, including an x‑ray, according to NBC’s broadcast coverage.
While the full extent of the injury has not been disclosed, the team’s medical team will continue to monitor Darnold’s condition throughout the remainder of the game and in the days ahead. If the hip issue proves more serious, Seattle could be without its starter for upcoming contests, which would place additional pressure on Lock and the Seahawks’ depth chart.
Performance snapshot
Before exiting, Darnold managed to complete one of his two pass attempts, delivering a 13‑yard connection to wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba. The limited action underscores how quickly the injury impacted Seattle’s offensive rhythm.
Seattle entered the game as the defending Super Bowl champion, and the loss of its starting quarterback early in the contest raises concerns for the team’s ability to maintain its championship momentum. The Patriots, meanwhile, capitalized on the situation to secure a win, further highlighting the competitive stakes of the AFC matchup.
Implications for the Seahawks
Head coach Pete Carroll and his staff will need to adjust their game plan if Darnold is unable to return. The backup quarterback, Drew Lock, has shown flashes of competence in limited action, but the Seahawks will likely rely on a more conservative approach until the starter’s health is confirmed.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official Seahawks communications for updates on Darnold’s status and any potential roster moves. The team’s medical team remains optimistic that the injury is not severe, but a definitive prognosis will come after further evaluation.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
