Sam Darnold Suffers Brutal Injury Just 6 Plays Into Season Opener, Leaves Game For X-Rays [VIDEO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Sam Darnold’s night didn’t stay clean for long. The Seahawks quarterback went down hard under pressure just minutes into Seattle’s season opener against New England.
The moment came on third-and-6 near midfield, with Seattle trying to build on an early first-down run from rookie back Jadarian Price. Patriots defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones got home for the sack, and Darnold limped noticeably as he walked toward the sideline afterward.
Darnold headed straight to the blue medical tent for evaluation. Shortly after that, he headed down the tunnel and into the locker room for x-rays.
Sam Darnold Used To Playing Through Pain
If Darnold returns, it wouldn’t be the first time Darnold has pushed through pain against this exact opponent. He played the entirety of Super Bowl LX back in February while managing a left oblique injury, ultimately helping Seattle to a 29-13 win over New England.
Seattle enters this season with plenty riding on Darnold’s health.
The Seahawks lost both Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak this offseason, leaving an even heavier burden on their quarterback to carry the offense.
Drew Lock Comes In As Next Man Up
Backup Drew Lock waited in the wings as Seattle’s contingency plan, just as he did during the team’s championship run last season. Lock has yet to start a playoff game in his career, but he has experience stepping in when needed.
New England, meanwhile, arrived hoping to atone for last season’s lopsided Super Bowl loss. The Patriots added receiver A.J. Brown this offseason specifically to support quarterback Drake Maye after his rough postseason performance.
NBC‘s broadcast team has since offered an update, announcing Darnold as questionable to return with a hip injury. The designation confirmed that Seattle was treating the injury as more than precautionary, even as the severity remained unknown.
