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Sam Darnold Sidelined by Unusual Hip Muscle Strain, Drew Lock to Start

An MRI found an unusual muscle strain in Darnold's hip area, prompting Seattle to turn to backup Drew Lock.

Overview

  • Sam Darnold left the Seahawks’ season opener after a sack by Dre’Mont Jones and did not return to the game that Wednesday night.
  • Initial imaging at the stadium and Harborview Medical Center ruled out a hip fracture, and team doctors ordered an MRI for further evaluation.
  • The MRI reportedly showed an unusual muscle strain in the hip area, and NFL insiders say there is currently no plan to place Darnold on injured reserve.
  • Drew Lock replaced Darnold, completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, and is expected to start while Seattle monitors Darnold’s recovery.
  • Seattle’s short-term choices include keeping Lock as the starter, watching Darnold’s practice availability, and weighing depth options as trade talk and public reaction to the sack — including Dre’Mont Jones’s expletive-laced post — continue to draw attention.