The Seattle Seahawks will likely not have quarterback Sam Darnold available for at least Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. Darnold was sacked by Dre’Mont Jones on the opening drive of Seattle’s 13-10 win over the New England Patriots, leaving the game with what was described as a hip injury. Thankfully for Darnold and the Super Bowl champions, there was no fracture based on MRI findings, and any absence figures to be short-term and not long-term.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero, who worked for Netflix on the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams broadcast from Australia, provided some more details on Darnold’s injury. He backed up Mike Macdonald’s claim that Darnold was dealing with a muscle issue, but did say it was an “unusual” type of strain.
If Darnold ended up on injured reserve at any point before the Cardinals game, he would not be available until at least Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. For as long as the timetable leans toward returning sooner, then perhaps we’ll see Darnold back in action at the start of October, when the Seahawks have a two-game homestand versus the Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
Drew Lock will serve as the starting quarterback while Darnold recovers, while Jalen Milroe would be the backup.