Sam Darnold Exits Season Opener With Hip Injury

Sam Darnold's title defense got off to a rocky start on Wednesday night. The Seahawks quarterback left Seattle's season opener against the Patriots with a hip injury, just six plays into the team's banner night celebrating their Super Bowl LX championship.

Darnold was sacked at the end of Seattle's opening drive and was seen limping as he headed to the medical tent before being taken to the locker room for further evaluation, including X-rays. The team quickly listed him as questionable to return.

Backup Drew Lock took over under center in relief. The veteran, who has spent four of the last five seasons in Seattle, completed his first pass attempt for 8 yards before settling in to run the offense. Third-string quarterback Jalen Milroe is next in line should Lock also be unable to finish the game.

Darnold had completed 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards before exiting. No timeline for his return has been announced, and the Seahawks have not yet confirmed the severity of the injury.

The matchup carries extra weight as a rematch of last season's Super Bowl, which Seattle won over New England. An extended absence for Darnold would be an unwelcome complication for a team hoping to build on that championship run.

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