Darnold Injury Casts Shadow Over Seahawks’ Gritty 13-10 Win Against Patriots

The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2026 NFL season with a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots, a rematch of the most recent Super Bowl — but the win came at a potentially steep cost.

The game was far from a showcase. Both offenses labored through four quarters in a grind-it-out contest that Seattle ultimately controlled down the stretch.

The concern: Sam Darnold’s hip injury

Quarterback Sam Darnold injured his hip on Seattle’s opening possession and did not return to the game. The injury occurred on what was otherwise a banner celebration night for the Super Bowl champions, quickly souring the mood at Lumen Field.

Backup Drew Lock stepped in and made enough plays to secure the win, though the margin for error with him under center appears thin. If Darnold’s injury proves serious, the Seahawks could explore the market for additional quarterback help. No timeline for Darnold’s return has been announced.

The bright spot: Jadarian Price’s debut

First-round rookie running back Jadarian Price delivered a promising first outing. He finished with 10 carries for 52 yards — a healthy 5.2 yards per attempt — and added two receptions for six yards. The stat line was modest, but his blend of speed, power, and pass-catching ability gave Seattle reasons for optimism about its backfield.

A red flag: penalties

Seattle was flagged 10 times for 98 yards, a дисципlined performance that undercut its offense at key moments. One infraction wiped out a touchdown pass from Lock to Cooper Kupp, forcing the Seahawks to kick a field goal instead. After ranking in the middle of the league in penalties last season, the Seahawks will need to sharpen their discipline in Week 2.

Defense delivers

Seattle’s defense did the heavy lifting, holding a Patriots offense that couldn’t find rhythm all afternoon. In a game decided by three points, that side of the ball made the difference.

Media context

NFL broadcasting remains a major business for media companies: Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), whose NBC unit carries Sunday Night Football, saw its shares trade at $24.59, down 6.61% from a prior close of $26.33, valuing the telecom and media giant at roughly $92.5 billion.

What to watch

• Updates on Sam Darnold’s hip injury and any timetable for his return.
• Whether the Seahawks add quarterback depth if Darnold misses extended time.
• Jadarian Price’s workload and efficiency in Week 2.
• Seattle’s penalty count after the Week 1 issues.
• The Seahawks’ upcoming matchup and how the offense adjusts with Lock, if needed.

Source: original release