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Sam Darnold Injury Update: Seahawks Quarterback Injures Butt

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 9: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks stands on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field on September 9, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We have some clarification on Sam Darnold’s injury and when the Seattle Seahawks quarterback could return.

According to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, Darnold actually didn’t have a hip injury in the team’s thrilling opening night win over the New England Patriots. Mike Macdonald said Darnold had some sort of muscle strain, and it turns out that muscle strain is in his glute. Yes, Sam Darnold is literally butt hurt.

From @NFLGameDay Morning: Injury updates from this week, as #Seaahawks QB Sam Darnold actually has a glute injury, #Patriots WR AJ Brown is out about six weeks, and #49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling (deltoid ligament) is out at least a month. pic.twitter.com/0VlHlIzgw7

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2026

Rapoport indicated that he’s almost certainly out against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, but it’s a “we’ll see” moment as far as his availability for Week 3 at the Washington Commanders.It’s reasonable to think that Darnold may just sit out the road trip and return for Week 4 at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. Given what the fear was regarding Darnold’s injury and the initial designation that it was his hip, two games (at most) is about the best possible outcome you can get.

In the meantime, Drew Lock will get the keys to the offense and he’ll actually get normal practice reps instead of being thrust into live action on an emergency notice.