Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold avoided a hip fracture during the team’s season-opening win over the New England Patriots, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. Darnold underwent a CT scan at Harborview Medical Center following an early-game sack, with further evaluation scheduled.
The Seattle Seahawks managed to escape their season opener with a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots on Wednesday night, but the team’s primary concern shifted immediately to the health of starting quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold exited the game during the first quarter after taking a hard sack from Patriots linebacker Dre’Mont Jones on third down, ending Seattle’s opening possession.
After limping off the field, Darnold was evaluated inside the sideline medical tent before limping back up to the locker room for further examination. Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the injury during his postgame press conference, providing initial optimism regarding the severity of the issue.
Mike Macdonald Confirms Medical Staff Ruled Out Hip Fracture
Initial fears among fans centered on the possibility of a broken hip, given the impact he suffered following a sack from Dre’Mont Jones.
However, medical evaluations conducted during and immediately after the game brought positive indicators. Speaking to reporters during the post-game press conference, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told the press that the team’s medical staff had ‘ruled out’ a hip fracture.
“Let’s say it’s good news right now. I know our thoughts and prayers are with Sam — we love him. The guys really pulled through for him,” Macdonald said. “At this point, we were able to rule out a fracture. So, there’s some more tests to be done. But that’s what I’m saying when it’s positive, but I know — we’re still working through all that, but right now a fracture is out, which is great news.”
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach
Macdonald cautioned that the star still has to undergo testing, and a proper diagnosis will only be available after that. Reporter Ethan McReynolds noted in a post on X that Mike Macdonald shares they got “good news” on Sam Darnold and his hip injury.
Hospital Scans and Upcoming MRI Evaluation
Following his departure from the stadium, Darnold was transported for advanced imaging. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported after the game that Darnold had to leave the stadium to undergo testing, sharing in a post on X that Sources: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has been at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, undergoing a CT scan on his hip.
Schefter added that the initial test was encouraging but inconclusive, and Darnold now is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Darnold received positive news on the CT scan and his X-Ray, indicating that he was able to avoid a major injury, though the team scheduled a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging exam to establish a complete diagnosis.
Darnold was knocked out of the season opener early, going down after the team’s first drive. He was diagnosed with a hip injury first listed as questionable before being ruled out of the game later.
Drew Lock Steps In to Secure Week 1 Victory
Darnold barely played in the game against the New England Patriots, attempting just two passes with one completed pass for 13 yards. With Darnold sidelined, the Seahawks were forced to call on veteran second-string QB Drew Lock.
Lock delivered a strong performance, leading the Seahawks to 13 unanswered points to help the team win the game. Lock finished the evening making 16 of 22 attempts for 187 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
The win came down thanks, in part, to Patriots QB Drake Maye throwing a late-game interception, which kept the Patriots from possibly stealing the win in a 13-10 defensive battle.
If Darnold were to miss significant time, the Seahawks may need to hit the quarterback market for more depth. The team has second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe as their emergency quarterback, but it’s not clear if the team would trust him as the No. 2 to Lock.
Uncertainty Ahead of Week 2 Matchup
Given the lack of clarity on the injury, Macdonald said he didn’t know what Darnold’s status would be for Seattle’s Week 2 matchup against Arizona. Any further update will come tomorrow, as the Seahawks hope for the best and can expect Darnold to return at a different point this season, while soon having to make a decision if they want to extend Darnold’s contract.
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