Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is dealing with a unique soft-tissue glute injury sustained during a Week 1 win against the New England Patriots. While the team confirmed his hip joint is unaffected, no firm return timeline has been established, and backup Drew Lock prepares to start.
The Seattle Seahawks are navigating an uncertain stretch under center after starting quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a soft-tissue injury during the opening week of the season. Darnold exited the team’s season-opening 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots on Wednesday after going down on the first drive in the first quarter and then walked off the field in apparent pain.
Injury Diagnosis and Avoiding the Worst-Case Scenario
Initial fears surrounding Darnold’s status pointed toward a severe injury. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer revealed that Darnold sustained a glute injury and the issue did not involve his hip as initially reported.
“Initially, they actually thought he fractured that hip socket, which probably would have put him out for the year. Instead, there’s a tendon injury in the glute. They’re still trying to gather information,”
Jay Glazer, FOX Sports
The Seahawks announced Monday that Darnold is dealing with a very unique soft-tissue injury
to his glute and his hip joint is unaffected. The team announced that Darnold’s injury is not considered to be a long-term injury but there is no firm timeline on his return to the field. Darnold has not been placed on injured reserve, and surgery is not anticipated.
Dueling Timelines and Gathering Medical Opinions
While the franchise avoided a catastrophic outcome, league insiders offer varying projections for when the quarterback might return to the field. FOX Sports indicated that outside opinions are still being brought in to determine a clear timetable.
“They’re gathering four second opinions to figure out exactly what the timetable will be, and what the plan of attack will be. He’s gonna miss next week, but we have no idea after that,”
Jay Glazer, FOX Sports
Other reports suggest a more extended absence might be necessary to ensure complete healing. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio painted a much more grim picture when it comes to Darnold’s return, noting that Darnold’s timeline could be closer to the four to six weeks range.
“The Seahawks avoided the worst-case season-ending scenario for quarterback Sam Darnold’s hip. The current expectation, however, is not for a quick return. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Darnold could miss four to six weeks. … Surgery is not anticipated. The Seahawks will choose to be cautious with Darnold, given that they have a contending team that can, as they did on Wednesday night, win without him.”
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Darnold avoided a major injury and could miss a few weeks. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said during a radio interview that same day that the team received really, really good news
on Darnold and later added that he hoped they would have a really accurate picture of a plan of attack
by Monday.
Drew Lock Steps In for Week 2 Against the Arizona Cardinals
As Darnold was in the building getting treatment Monday as the Seahawks returned to work after four days off following their 13-10 win over New England on Wednesday, he was not on the practice field. The Seahawks returned to practice on Monday, and Darnold was not seen on the field during the portion available to the media, per ESPN. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is next scheduled to speak to reporters on Wednesday.
In the interim, veteran backup quarterback Drew Lock prepares to take the reins. Veteran Drew Lock would be in line to start Seattle’s Week 2 game against the Cardinals if Darnold is unable to play. Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 yards with one touchdown in relief of Darnold against New England. Darnold finished his first season in Seattle by leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl win in 10 seasons, but now the Seahawks will have to navigate without Darnold for the time being.
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