“Right now the plan is for him to be out there in some capacity, and we’ll go from there,” Macdonald said, via the team’s website. “How much? We’ll see from here to Wednesday what that number is, but right now that’s the goal.”

Fortunately for the coach, Drew Lock stepped up and performed very well. The Seahawks opened the season 2-0, and their pursuit of back-to-back titles is looking stronger than ever.

A bitter debut for Darnold

Sam Darnold‘s season opener with the Seahawks ended almost as soon as it started. Just five snaps into Seattle’s opening drive against the Patriots, he took a heavy hit on a third-down sack by Dre’Mont Jones and ended up with a right hip/glute injury as his leg took the brunt of the turf impact.

He limped straight off the field, headed into the blue tent, and was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the night after completing just 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards. Drew Lock had to step in and steady the ship to secure a tight win, but seeing the QB1 forced to the locker room on drive number one definitely sent a quick shockwave through the Seattle faithful.

Lock rises to the occasion

Drew Lock has been remarkably solid guiding the Seahawks to a 2-0 start. Over his first two appearances, he’s completed 35 of 48 passes (a sharp 72.9% completion rate) for 422 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, posting a stellar passer rating.

After game-managing a tight 13-10 win over New England with 187 yards and 1 TD, he popped off in Week 2 against Arizona Cardinals, slinging 235 yards and 3 scores in a 31-7 blowout. He hasn’t turned the ball over once, keeping Seattle’s offense steady and moving while QB1 recovers.

What’s next for Seattle?

The Seahawks hit the road on Sunday, September 27 to take on the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. After that east-coast trip, they head right back to Seattle for a two-game home stand, first hosting the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, October 4 at Lumen Field, followed by a massive divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, October 11, also at Lumen Field.

Key takeaways

• Sam Darnold will return to practice in some capacity on Wednesday.
• The quarterback suffered a right hip/glute injury on his fifth snap against New England.
• Replacement passer Drew Lock recorded 422 passing yards and four touchdowns across two victories.

Darnold was injured just five snaps into the season opener when he was taken down on a sack and immediately showed discomfort. He initially went to the sideline for evaluation before leaving the game, with Drew Lock taking over at quarterback and helping Seattle secure the victory.

The Seahawks later clarified that Darnold’s hip joint was unaffected and described the injury as a “very unique soft-tissue injury” involving his glute. The team does not consider the injury long-term, but Darnold has not recovered quickly enough to return against Arizona.

Is Sam Darnold playing today for Seahawks against Cardinals?

No, Sam Darnold is not playing today against the Cardinals. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Darnold would miss Week 2, but the good news for Seattle is that the team does not anticipate placing its starting quarterback on injured reserve.

That means the Seahawks can continue monitoring Darnold’s recovery without committing to a lengthy absence. Macdonald said Darnold is progressing well and expressed optimism about his return, although he did not provide a specific timetable.

Drew Lock will start in Darnold’s place after stepping in during the season opener. Jeremy Fowler previously reported that Darnold could possibly miss Week 3 as well, while more recent reports have pointed to Week 4 as a more likely return target. Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers is also a potential target if Seattle takes a more cautious approach, but there is no official return date yet.

When asked about Darnold, Macdonald said “He’s on his way back. Is it next week? Is it the week after, the week after that? I’m not sure. I’m optimistic, put it that way.” Hence, no return date has been established yet, but all things point to a great evolution by Darnold.

In the meantime, the Seahawks will have to face divisional rivals Cardinals without their Super Bowl-winning signal-caller. They already beat the Patriots without Darnold, but that doesn’t make it easy.

How did Drew Lock play vs Patriots?

With Drew Lock basically a sure starter in Week 2, the fact is that he wasn’t stellar in Week 1, but he was effective enough. At the end of the game, the Seahawks won and the Patriots fell to 0-1.

Lock completed 16/22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. However, his main mission was not to turn the ball over, and he accomplished that. As long as Lock doesn’t give away the ball, the Seahawks defense can manage to win football games.

The Cardinals are off an emotional win

No one saw the Cardinals winning away at the Chargers in Week 1, but they looked composed and ready to go. They pulled off the upset of the week and now are in a crash-down spot.

Usually, teams off an emotional, unlikely win tend to crash down during the next game. Hence, the Cardinals need to battle that moment as they face the Seahawks, who had a long week to prepare for this game.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Darnold is expected to miss next week’s game vs. Cardinals, and could maybe miss the Week 3 game vs Commanders. However, that is still a positive outlook for both Seahawks and quarterback.

Darnold was feared to suffer an injury that could put him on the injury reserve list (IR). Having said that, missing just one-to-two games could put Darnold back on the field in relative quick time.

Sam Darnold’s injury was very unfortunate

Sam Darnold is a story of resiliency. From being a third overall pick to being labeled as a disappointment, only to revive his career in great fashion and ending up winning a Super Bowl with Seattle.

After all that, one could say this Week 1 as a Super Bowl champ was a game Darnold was very excited to play. In just five plays, he was injured. It’s just another roadblock in the career of a player who has never given up.

The Seahawks avoided a dreaded case of needing a QB

What an NFL contender never wants is to see its starting quarterback go down. If the injury is serious, their Super Bowl case goes down the drain. However, by avoiding the worst-case scenario, the Seahawks have to stay afloat for a couple of games and resume their title defense.

If Darnold had a multi-week or a season-ending injury, the Seahawks would’ve definitely needed to trade or seek for a new signal-caller in free agency if a deep playoff run was still on their mind. While Drew Lock managed to win the game, the fact is he is not an elite QB that can carry a franchise.

Brown suffered an ankle injury in a catch attempt against Seattle cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett. Without Brown, the Patriots must look at the rest of their wide receiver room for help against an elite defense. “Brown has now been ruled out for the remainder of tonight’s game.,” the Patriots announced.

With Brown sidelined, the Patriots will be turning to DeMario Douglas, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. Those are all their active options to finish Week 1’s visit to the Seahawks. New England is already missing TreVeyon Henderson for Week 1, so Brown’s setback adds another dramatic layer to an already injury-riddled offense.

A.J. Brown’s numbers in Patriots debut

Needless to say, Brown didn’t have the debut he expected with the Patriots. Until he left the game with an ankle injury, Brown caught only three passes (out of four targets) for 26 yards.

Still, because the Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots was quite uneventful, Brown led his team in receiving yards while he was on the gridiron at Lumen Field. His production was nothing to write home about, though. In fact, it raised eyebrows.

For the second straight season, even on a completely different team and in a different system, Brown was practically MIA. Last year, Brown caught only one pass for eight yards in Week 1. These slow starts to the year may be becoming a common theme, and a worrisome one at that.

Brown’s contract

Brown carries a $7.04 million cap hit in the 2026 NFL season. His contract, which runs through 2030, will see its cap hit steadily rise to $10.9 million in 2027, $17.8 million in 2028, $23.6 million in 2029 and $53.5 million in 2030.

Because Brown signed the deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s expected that he and the Patriots will sit down at some point and negotiate a contract restructure. If Brown’s injury turns out to be serious, it could change everything, though.

Seahawks backup quarterback Lock was next in the quarterback depth chart of the Seattle Seahawks and took over the main duties. Though Darnold was ruled out of the game with a hip injury following a hit from a Patriots‘ defensive lineman, there may be no reason to panic in the Emerald City.

“With Sam [Darnold], we got some great news back. Let’s just say it’s good news right now,” Macdonald said about the injured quarterback who left the season opener after the opening offensive drive.

“Sam Darnold received positive news following his CT scan and coach Mike Macdonald said doctors ruled out a fracture. He’ll have an MRI tomorrow for more info, but the belief after an X-Ray and CT scan is Darnold avoided major injury,” Ian Rapoport reported. “MRI will be the final word.“

Injuries were major topic in NFL’s curtain raiser

In his first start of the 2026 NFL season, Darnold only managed to throw two pass attempts, completing one for a 13-yard gain to star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Now, his status going forward remains uncertain, but it seems disaster has been averted.

The Patriots may not be able to say the same about A.J. Brown, who left the game with an ankle injury. The Seahawks were already without Zach Charbonnet in Week 1 against the Patriots and to start the new season, losing their star QB would rub salt in their wounds.

Seahawks face QB trouble in depth chart

Against the Patriots, Jalen Milroe served as the Seahawks’ third and emergency quarterback. The second-year quarterback out of Alamaba has yet to throw a pass in his NFL career. Because he was the emergency QB, Milroe could only enter the game if Lock suffered an injury.

Early signs suggest otherwise, but if Darnold’s injury still, somehow, turns out to be serious, Mike Macdonald and company will have to go shopping early for a quarterback in the 2026 NFL season. Even if they trust Lock, the Seahawks will need depth options.

Darnold injury could derail the season

Injuries happen and affect every team across the 18-week NFL season. However, losing the starting quarterback on the opening drive of Week 1 is unlike anything anyone could have seen coming.

As if Seattle didn’t know that going back-to-back in the league is a hard task, it was reminded right away. Just as the Super Bowl championship banner went up, the franchise quarterback went down injured. The champions put their pedigree to good use, though. They weathered the storm, came away with a crucial Week 1 victory, and may have dodged a major bullet with Darnold’s health.

Henderson is sidelined because of an ankle injury that has kept him from practicing throughout the week. The second-year running back suffered the injury during practice on August 24 and was unable to recover in time for the Patriots’ trip to Seattle for the opening game of the season.

The absence is particularly significant because Henderson was an important part of New England’s offensive depth chart after an impressive rookie season. He finished 2025 with 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 221 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air. Without him, the Patriots will have to lean more heavily on their remaining running backs against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Why is TreVeyon Henderson not playing for New England Patriots against Seattle Seahawks?

TreVeyon Henderson is not playing today because of his ankle injury, which has officially ruled him out for the Patriots’ season opener against Seattle. He missed all three practices during the week and was ultimately listed as out, meaning New England will have to adjust its offensive game plan without one of its most explosive weapons.

Henderson’s absence is a major blow to the Patriots’ depth at running back. Although he was not necessarily expected to handle every offensive snap, his combination of speed, explosiveness and receiving ability gave New England another dynamic option alongside its veteran backfield. His production as a rookie made him an important part of the Patriots’ plans entering 2026.

The timing also makes the injury particularly frustrating for Henderson and the Patriots. New England is opening the season against the same Seattle team that defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and Henderson played in that championship game. Now, instead of helping Drake Maye and the Patriots seek revenge, he will have to watch from the sideline while recovering from his ankle injury.

Who is starting RB for Patriots vs Seahawks?

Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to be the Patriots’ starting running back against the Seahawks and should receive a significantly larger workload with Henderson unavailable. Stevenson remains one of New England’s most experienced offensive players and rushed for 603 yards and nine total touchdowns during the 2025 season.

The Patriots will likely need Stevenson to carry a substantial portion of the rushing workload while also contributing in the passing game. His experience makes him the natural player to take over as the lead back, although Corey Kiner could also see opportunities.

For New England, replacing Henderson’s production will be one of the biggest challenges against Seattle. The Patriots are trying to begin the 2026 season with a statement victory in a Super Bowl rematch, but they will have to do it without one of their most promising young offensive players. With Henderson sidelined, more responsibility falls on Stevenson to lead the Patriots’ ground attack.

Walker was one of the most important players in Seattle’s championship campaign and ultimately earned Super Bowl LX MVP honors after helping the Seahawks defeat the Patriots. However, after becoming a free agent during the offseason, Seattle decided not to give him the contract he was looking for, bringing an end to his time with the franchise.

Instead of returning to Seattle to defend the championship, Walker signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. His departure became one of the biggest changes to the Seahawks’ roster after their Super Bowl victory, with Seattle now entering the season without the player who was named the game’s MVP.

Why is Kenneth Walker III not playing for Seattle Seahawks vs Patriots?

Kenneth Walker III is not playing in Seahawks vs Patriots because he is no longer a member of Seattle’s roster. After becoming a free agent, Walker signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a new home and a major role in Patrick Mahomes’ offense. The move means Walker will begin the 2026 season with Kansas City rather than returning to Seattle for the Super Bowl rematch.

The decision represented a major change for both Walker and the Seahawks. Seattle chose not to make the financial commitment necessary to keep its star running back, while Kansas City made him a central part of its effort to return to the Super Bowl. Walker now has the opportunity to play alongside Mahomes after proving during the 2025 season that he can perform at the highest level on the biggest stage.

Who is starting RB for Seattle Seahawks?

For Seattle, his departure creates a major void in the backfield. The Seahawks have had to reshape their running back room, with rookie Jadarian Price expected to take on a significant role while Zach Charbonnet remains unavailable because of his ACL injury. That makes Walker’s absence even more noticeable as Seattle begins its championship defense against the very team it defeated in Super Bowl LX.

Walker, meanwhile, has already turned the page. The Chiefs view him as an important piece of their offense and hope his explosiveness can help Mahomes lead Kansas City back to the Super Bowl in 2026. After winning the championship with Seattle, Walker now has a different challenge: helping the Chiefs reclaim the Lombardi Trophy while pursuing a second Super Bowl ring.

For the Foxborough team, Larison’s elevation is understandable given that TreVeyon Henderson will miss the game due to injury, while Wishnowsky will join the special teams unit. Notable absences are already beginning to make their presence felt at the very start of the season for Mike Vrabel and his staff.

The reigning Super Bowl champions, meanwhile, are still waiting for more clarity on safety Nick Emmanwori’s status. As a result, also according to Schefter, they signed AJ Finley off the practice squad and elevated Rodney Thomas II also from the PS.

Everything is set in Seattle

The wait is finally over, and fittingly, the 2026 season begins with the same teams that closed out the 2025 campaign. The Seahawks and Patriots were the protagonists of the most recent Super Bowl, with Seattle claiming the title after a resounding 29–13 victory.

Adrian Hill will be leading the officiating crew in what is expected to be a packed Lumen Field, with a capacity of nearly 68,000 spectators. The 12s will look to make their presence felt once the football gets underway.

Notable absences in Seattle

Mike Macdonald has had to adjust his game plan in an unconventional way for the season opener, as several of his players will be sidelined due to injury. Jake Bobo will not play after suffering a serious injury to his right knee.

A similar situation is unfolding in the Seahawks’ backfield. Zach Charbonnet will also be unavailable due to a serious knee injury, meaning RB1 for this game will be Jadarian Price.

Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during Seattle’s divisional-round playoff victory over the San Francisco 49ers in January 2026. The injury required surgery and has kept him out throughout the offseason, preventing him from being ready for the highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against New England.

His absence is particularly important because Charbonnet was expected to have a much larger role after the Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker III during the offseason. Charbonnet finished 2025 with career highs of 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and Seattle will now turn to rookie Jadarian Price and other healthy backs to handle the workload against the Patriots.

Why is Zach Charbonnet not playing in Seahawks vs Patriots?

Zach Charbonnet is not playing today because he is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during Seattle’s divisional-round win over the 49ers in January. The Seahawks placed him on the reserve physically unable to perform list before the start of the regular season, meaning he cannot return until he is medically cleared and has served the required minimum absence.

When will Zach Charbonnet return?

Zach Charbonnet will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 NFL season after beginning the year on the reserve PUP list. NFL rules require players on the reserve PUP list to miss a minimum of four games before they can return, so the earliest possible comeback would come after Seattle’s first four contests.

However, that does not guarantee Charbonnet will return in Week 5. Seattle has not established a specific timetable for his return, and he remains in the rehabilitation process following his ACL injury and offseason knee surgery. The Seahawks have been encouraged by his progress, but the priority is making sure he is fully ready before putting him back on the field.

The timing is especially significant because Charbonnet enters the season as the projected lead back following Walker’s departure. Jadarian Price is expected to receive the biggest opportunity against New England, while George Holani and Emanuel Wilson can also contribute in the backfield.

Bobo’s absence is not the result of a last-minute decision or a Week 1 setback. The Seahawks lost the wide receiver during a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans in the preseason, when he suffered a serious injury to his right knee while attempting to make a leaping catch. The initial diagnosis was concerning, with head coach Mike Macdonald indicating that the injury appeared to be long-term.

The injury represents a significant blow to an offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold, especially because Seattle is entering the season with championship expectations after winning Super Bowl LX. Without Bobo, Darnold will have to rely even more heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp as the Seahawks look to begin their title defense with a victory over the Patriots.

Jake Bobo isn’t available for Seahawks vs Patriots

No. Jake Bobo is not playing today for the Seahawks against the Patriots. Bobo has been unavailable since suffering the serious right knee injury during Seattle’s joint practice with the Titans in August, and the Seahawks subsequently placed him on injured reserve. His absence was already confirmed well before the season opener, meaning Seattle will have to move forward without him as it begins its 2026 campaign.

Bobo had become a valuable piece for Seattle because of his ability to contribute in multiple areas, making his absence particularly difficult for a team trying to repeat as Super Bowl champions. While he was not necessarily expected to be the focal point of the passing attack, his reliability and versatility gave the Seahawks another option within an offense that is expected to feature several talented receivers.

That leaves Smith-Njigba, Shaheed and Kupp with an even greater responsibility entering the matchup against New England. Smith-Njigba remains the central pieces of Darnold’s passing attack, while Seattle also has Shaheed and Kupp to provide more explosiveness and experience around its quarterback.

Is Jake Bobo out for the 2026 season with Seahawks?

Yes. Jake Bobo is out for the entire 2026 NFL season. The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve after the right knee injury he suffered during the joint practice with the Titans, officially confirming that he would not return this season.

The injury was initially described by Macdonald as a serious and potentially long-term knee problem, and subsequent reports identified it as a torn ACL. That makes Bobo’s absence much more than a temporary setback for Week 1: the Seahawks will have to plan their entire 2026 season without him.

For Seattle, the focus now shifts toward the healthy receivers who will have to replace Bobo’s production and versatility. With Darnold leading the offense and Smith-Njigba, Shaheed and Kupp expected to carry larger roles, the Seahawks will hope their revamped receiving corps can absorb the loss as they begin their defense of the Super Bowl title.