Sam Darnold’s Glute Injury Shifts Seattle’s Early-Season Plans

In the Seahawks’ season-opening matchup against the New England Patriots on September 9, 2026, starting quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked on the first drive and left after five snaps. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center for imaging. Backup Drew Lock entered and helped Seattle rally to a 13-10 victory.

NBC News

Scans ruled out a hip fracture; doctors identified a muscle-tendon injury in Darnold’s right glute. The severity is still under review. NFL insider Ian Rapoport says Darnold will miss “a couple of games,” while Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio estimates a four-to-six-week recovery. No definitive return date has been set.

CBS Sports

Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, with no turnovers. His 45-yard TD to Jaxon Smith-Njigba tied the game in the fourth quarter, and the defense’s three interceptions were key to the comeback.

Dark Side defense helps Seahawks overcome an injury to Sam Darnold to win the opener

• September 20: Week 2 at Arizona Cardinals – Darnold expected to miss.

CBS Sports

• September 27: Week 3 at Washington Commanders – possible return window.

ESPN

• October 4: Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Chargers.

USA Today

• October 11: Week 5 vs. San Francisco 49ers.

Sports Illustrated

• October 15: Week 6 at Denver Broncos (Thursday Night Football).

Sports Illustrated

Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized that the hip is intact and the injury is “more of a muscle thing.” General manager John Schneider called the situation “pretty scary” but expressed relief a fracture was avoided. The team has sought multiple medical opinions.

Seattle Times

• Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk): four-to-six-week absence.

ESPN

• Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) and several insiders: “a couple of games,” possibly back by Week 3.

USA Today

• Team medical updates: describe the injury as “muscle-related” without a specific timeline.

USA Today

• “Initially, they actually thought he fractured that hip socket, which would have put him out for the year. Instead, there is a tendon injury in the glute. They’re still trying to gather information,” — Jay Glazer, Fox Sports

Newsweek

• “At this point we were able to rule out a fracture,” — Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach

Seahawks Get ‘Great News’ On Sam Darnold’s Hip Injury

• “It's more of a muscle thing,” — Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach

USA Today

• “Now, how long that [he's out], we don't know yet,” — Mike Macdonald, Seahawks head coach

ESPN