NFL Reacts as Former Seahawk Dre’Mont Jones’ Early Sack Leaves Sam Darnold’s Status Unclear

Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks began their 2026 NFL campaign with a win against the New England Patriots . The two sides met in the NFL Kickoff Game, which was a repeat of last season's Super Bowl game. The Seahawks emerged victorious once more, winning with a score of 13-10.

However, it was not all good news for the Seahawks. Darnold suffered a serious injury during the game which has shocked the NFL.

Sam Darnold suffers injury in first game of the season

Darnold suffered a right hip injury on just the fifth play of the 2026 NFL season during the team's season opener against the Patriots at Lumen Field. It happened on the third-and-6 during Seattle's opening possession. Darnold dropped back, could not find an open receiver, and attempted to extend the play before being sacked from behind by Patriots defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones.

Jones drove Darnold to the turf , with the quarterback's right leg and hip absorbing the primary force of the impact as he landed awkwardly on his right knee. The quarterback rose and limped off the field under his own power. He initially waved off medical staff while pressing his right hand into his hip to loosen it but later entered the sideline medical tent for evaluation. He then limped to the locker room accompanied by team personnel.

The Seahawks first listed him as questionable with a hip injury before ruling him out prior to halftime. Darnold only managed to complete 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards before exiting. In his absence, backup Drew Lock entered the game.

It is currently unknown what is the true extent of the injury and what his recovery timeline will be. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed after the game that it was not a fracture, and that a CT scan at Harborview Medical Center produced encouraging but inconclusive results. Many fans were not happy to see Darnold get injured.

NFL fans react as Sam Darnold suffers injury

Many fans on social media expressed their disappointment for Darnold suffering an injury.

One user said , "I feel sorry for Sam Darnold man, Busting your butt all offseason only to get injured first series."

A second user wrote , "Hip injuries linger for QBs. Is this the end of Darnold's audition in Seattle?"

A third user replied , "Tough blow for the Seahawks. Hope Sam Darnold makes a quick recovery.

Another added , "This is going to kill the Seahawks, that defense has to stay healthy if this is a long term Injury in order for them to be considered Wild Card come playoff time."

A fifth user commented , "Really unfortunate for Darnold. From Seattle's side, this becomes a pretty big test of their depth and preparation."

It remains to be seen what the full extent of Sam Darnold's injury is and when he will be back for the Seahawks.