Things looked bleak for the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. On Seattle’s fifth offensive snap in the NFL season opener against the New England Patriots, quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked. He had a noticeable limp as he left the field to be checked out. Darnold did not return.
There was concern that Darnold had suffered a severe hip injury that could cost him his season. On Thursday, Seattle received good news on its starting quarterback. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Seahawks “dodged a bullet” with Darnold’s injury, but did not offer a timeline for his return.
Later on Thursday, Ian Rapoport revealed that Darnold will miss Seattle’s Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals, but could return as
soon as Week 3, when the Seahawks visit Washington to face the Commanders. Regardless of when he returns, it’s expected to be “sooner rather than later.”
Sam Darnold is expected to miss next week's game, but he should be back sooner, rather than later, sources say. Could be just a few weeks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2026
With 17 days from Wed. until their Week 3 game against the #Commanders, Darnold gets a schedule break, as well. https://t.co/UjGk85IYPA
Last season, Darnold and the Seahawks visited the Commanders and blew them out, 38-14. Darnold was outstanding in that game, completing 21 of 24 passes for 330 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He had a 141 quarterback rating.
Washington should look much different when Seattle comes to town in Week 3. The Commanders have two new coordinators and upgraded at several positions this offseason. It remains to be seen how those changes will impact the 2026 season.
As for the Seahawks, backup quarterback Drew Lock led them to a 13-10 victory on Wednesday in a Super Bowl rematch from February. Seattle’s defense intercepted New England quarterback Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter on Wednesday to preserve the win.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Seahawks receive a positive injury update for Week 3 game vs. Commanders
