Coach Mike Macdonald laid it out for us Friday, straight talk on Sam Darnold’s glute injury: “He’s on his way back,” he said, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. But here’s the kicker, 12s: “Is it next week? Is it the week after, the week after that? I’m not sure. I’m optimistic, put it that way.” That’s not the definitive answer any of us wanted to hear, leaving our starting quarterback’s return as uncertain as the Emerald City weather in October.
“Unique Soft-Tissue” Problem Keeps Darnold Sidelined
So yeah, Darnold’s officially ruled out for Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, no real shock there after he didn’t even sniff practice all week. He got dinged in the first quarter of that season-opening win against the New England Patriots, and it’s his glute that’s giving him grief. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported it’s a “very unique soft-tissue” injury. “Unique”? That’s the word that makes you scratch your head, isn’t it? Good news is, it’s not expected to be a long-term thing, and the fact that they haven’t put him on injured reserve means the team believes he’ll be back within the next four games. Still, not knowing *when* exactly our Super Bowl-winning QB is back feels like an eternity when the season has just kicked off.
From Pro Bowl to Purgatory: Darnold’s Impact is Missed
And man, this hurts, especially after the monster season Darnold had in 2025. The guy wasn’t just good, he was Pro Bowl good, leading our Seahawks to our second Super Bowl title. He started all 17 regular-season games, lighting it up with 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. His 67.7 completion percentage was a career-high, showing just how dialed in he was. That’s the kind of production you absolutely need under center if you want to make a run at anything. Losing that kind of player, even for a few weeks, is a massive blow, and we’re all feeling that void right now.
Lock Steps Up: Holding Down the Fort Until Darnold Returns
Good thing we’ve got Drew Lock ready to roll. He had to step in for Darnold in Week 1, and honestly, he absolutely delivered. Lock went 16-of-22 for 187 yards and a touchdown, didn’t throw a single pick, and rallied the squad from a 10-point deficit in the second half to snatch that 13-10 win over New England. That’s clutch stuff, 12s, you gotta give him props for that. Second-year passer Jalen Milroe is there as the reserve option, which is good for depth. But for now, it’s Lock’s show, and he’s gotta keep that momentum going in the Emerald City until Darnold can get back on the field.
The earliest we could see Sam Darnold back in action is Week 3 on September 27, when we face the Washington Commanders. Until then, it’s all on Lock’s shoulders to navigate these early regular season waters. We’ve got to trust the next man up, and after that Week 1 comeback, there’s definitely something to look forward to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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