Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is confirmed to be absent from the upcoming Week 2 clash against the Arizona Cardinals. This decision comes after Darnold sustained a glute injury during the season's opening game. While initial concerns revolved around a potentially serious hip issue, subsequent medical evaluations provided a more positive outlook, identifying the problem as a soft-tissue injury rather than structural damage. This updated diagnosis suggests a more rapid recovery, alleviating fears of a prolonged absence from the field.
Darnold's injury occurred early in the first game, just five plays in, when he was sacked by former Seahawks defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones. He visibly favored his right side and subsequently left the field for medical attention. Although initially reported as a hip injury, further tests clarified it as a "unique" soft-tissue glute problem, ruling out a hip fracture. This distinction is crucial, as it implies Darnold will not need to be placed on injured reserve, which would mandate a minimum four-game sideline period.
In Darnold's absence during Week 1, Drew Lock stepped in and delivered a commendable performance, completing 16 out of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, leading the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory. His impressive play earned him a high PFN QB Impact score, ranking him among the top quarterbacks in the league for Week 1. This strong showing by Lock offers the Seahawks confidence as he prepares to start against the Cardinals.
Head coach Mike Macdonald made the decision early in the week to rest Darnold, opting not to push for a questionable designation. While Macdonald expressed optimism about Darnold's eventual return, stating he is "on his way back," he refrained from committing to a specific return date, acknowledging it could be Week 3, Week 4, or even later. With Lock at the helm, second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe will serve as the backup, and the team does not currently plan to acquire another quarterback.
The Seahawks' offense will also receive a boost with the expected return of Cooper Kupp, who participated fully in practice despite a back issue, and Tory Horton. Their Week 1 performance demonstrated the team's resilience in the face of an unexpected quarterback change, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba catching eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, and the defense intercepting Drake Maye three times. For Darnold, the most significant positive is the absence of structural hip damage, ensuring his return is a matter of time rather than a season-threatening concern.
The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for their Week 2 fixture against the Arizona Cardinals without their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold. His injury, initially a cause for concern, has been re-evaluated as a soft-tissue glute issue, offering a more encouraging prognosis for a quicker recovery. Drew Lock will assume the starting role, building on his successful relief appearance in Week 1, while the team maintains a hopeful outlook for Darnold's return in the near future.
