Add The New York Post on Google The Seahawks’ Super Bowl defense could not have gotten off to a more inauspicious start.
Quarterback Sam Darnold limped off the field after taking a sack on Seattle’s first drive of the game against the Patriots. He went to the blue medical tent and went back to the Seahawks locker room as backup Drew Lock entered the game for the team’s second offensive drive of Wednesday’s season opener.
On a third-and-6 just inside Patriots territory, Darnold could not find an open receiver before Dre’Mont Jones took him down for a sack. Darnold landed hard on his right leg and went off the field gingerly and with a limp as Seattle punted.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, down center, is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Dre’mont Jones, behind, as New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder (91), linebacker Robert Spillane (14), linebacker Christian Elliss (53), and defensive tackle Milton Williams (97) look on during the first half of an NFL football game on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold turns with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson After Darnold went back to the locker room, the Seahawks said he was questionable to return with a hip injury.
Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick of the Jets in 2018, led Seattle to its second Super Bowl title last season with a win over the Patriots. But in the rematch, things got off to a far more concerning start for Seattle.
