Sam Darnold Injury Update: A major blow for the Seattle Seahawks following the quarterback's exit

Sam Darnold began the defense of his Super Bowl title with a major scare for the Seattle Seahawks . The quarterback left the game during the very first offensive drive, raising concerns among the home crowd.

The concern emerged after the sack that ended Seattle’s opening possession. Darnold got up showing visible discomfort, walked with difficulty toward the medical tent and, minutes later, left the field heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

NBC Sports reporter Kaylee Hartung reported that the quarterback was taken to the locker room, while Drew Lock immediately stepped in to take over the Seahawks’ offense.

Shortly afterward, Seattle confirmed that Darnold suffered a hip injury and was listed as questionable to return to the game, leaving the status of the reigning champion quarterback uncertain at the start of the 2026 season.

NFL fans have seen this scene far too many times, and unfortunately, it now involves the reigning Super Bowl 60 champion quarterback . Since entering the league as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft , Sam Darnold has battled one injury after another. However, he finally put together a full, healthy season in 2025.

Darnold began showing the talent that draft analysts envisioned during his time at USC , breaking out with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 . He delivered the best season of his career, throwing for a personal-best 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns , which helped make him one of the top free-agent targets during the 2025 offseason.

The right-handed quarterback answered the call in Seattle, posting another 4,000-yard season (4,048 yards) and leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl championship in years.

But now, the franchise faces a major concern. Drew Lock remained on the field to finish the first quarter, leaving the Seahawks’ fan base — the famous “12s” — waiting and hoping for positive news about their championship quarterback.