Sam Darnold’s season opener took a sharp turn almost immediately, with the Seahawks quarterback leaving for x-rays after getting knocked down just six plays into Seattle’s game against New England.
The injury came on third-and-6 near midfield, after Seattle had started to move the ball with an early first-down run from rookie back Jadarian Price. Patriots defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones finished the sack, and Darnold was visibly limping as he made his way toward the sideline. From there, he went straight to the blue medical tent for evaluation before heading down the tunnel and into the locker room for x-rays.
NBC’s broadcast later reported Darnold as questionable to return with a hip injury.
Seattle would obviously prefer not to be in this spot so early, especially with so much of the offense tied to Darnold’s health. The Seahawks already spent the offseason dealing with the losses of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, which put even more on the quarterback’s plate.
If Darnold is able to come back, it would not be unfamiliar territory for him against this opponent. He played all of Super Bowl LX in February while dealing with a left oblique injury, and Seattle still rolled to a 29-13 win over New England.
Drew Lock was waiting as the backup, just as he was during Seattle’s championship run last season. He has not started a playoff game in his career, but he does have experience stepping in when called upon.
New England came into the night looking to answer for last season’s lopsided Super Bowl defeat. The Patriots also added receiver A.J. Brown this offseason to help quarterback Drake Maye after his rough postseason showing.
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