Mike Macdonald Shares Update on Sam Darnold After Hip Injury in Week 1

September 10, 2026 - 11:52

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the status of quarterback Sam Darnold on Monday, one day after the veteran left the season opener with a hip injury. Darnold went down on the opening drive of the game and did not return, leaving the offense in the hands of backup quarterback Drew Lock for the remainder of the contest.

Macdonald told reporters that Darnold is still being evaluated and that the team will know more in the coming days. He did not offer a specific timeline for a return, calling the situation day to day. The coach added that imaging results were still being reviewed by the medical staff.

Darnold signed with Seattle in the offseason to take over as the starter, and his early exit disrupted the team's plans on offense. Lock stepped in and managed the game, but the Seahawks struggled to move the ball consistently through the air.

The Seahawks have not placed Darnold on injured reserve, which suggests the team believes he could return in the near future. Macdonald said the coaching staff will prepare both quarterbacks to start in Week 2 while the medical team continues to monitor Darnold's recovery. Further updates are expected later in the week.