Seahawks Start Drew Lock in Week 2 as Sam Darnold Sits With Hip Injury After 13-10 Win

Q: Could early X-rays on Sam Darnold's hip derail the Seahawks' Super Bowl defense before the 2026 season even truly begins?

Yes — it could, but it is far too early to say that Seattle’s title defense is derailed. The immediate concern is real because Darnold is not just Seattle’s starter; he was a central reason for the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run and entered 2026 as the stabilizing piece in an offense already adjusting to a new coordinator and personnel turnover. His exit after only five snaps, followed by a limp to the tent and locker room, is exactly the kind of Week 1 disruption a contender fears. What raises the stakes is the early reporting around the injury. NBC said Darnold was undergoing X-rays on his right leg, with concern centering on the hip. NFL injury analyst David Chao said the mechanism looked consistent with a right hip issue and specifically hoped imaging would rule out a posterior wall acetabular fracture — a far more serious outcome than a bruise or minor strain. There is still no official diagnosis, and that uncertainty matters: X-rays can just as easily be precautionary or aimed at ruling out the worst-case scenario. If imaging shows only a short-term injury, Seattle still has enough around him to stay afloat. Mike Macdonald’s defense remains the team’s foundation, and Drew Lock is an experienced backup in a quarterback room that also includes Jalen Milroe. But if Darnold is facing a significant hip injury, the Seahawks’ repeat hopes take an immediate hit because their offensive continuity and quarterback edge were key parts of their championship formula.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 10

Week 2 will bring Seattle a new starter at quarterback, with Drew Lock replacing Sam Darnold against Arizona after Darnold's right hip injury in the opener.
MRI results eased the initial scare by ruling out a fracture and showing a less severe injury, but the Seahawks are holding Darnold out rather than risking a bigger setback.
Lock enters after a strong relief appearance against New England, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's 13-10 comeback win.
Seattle, the defending Super Bowl LX champion, views the absence as a short-term setback and could get Darnold back later this season if his recovery stays on track.