Drew Lock Steps In for Injured Sam Darnold, Rallies Seahawks Past Patriots in NFL Opener

The NFL’s 2026 season opened with an unexpected storyline Wednesday night, as veteran backup quarterback Drew Lock engineered a second-half comeback to lift the Seattle Seahawks to a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots.

Lock, a former second-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos, was pressed into action after Seahawks starter Sam Darnold exited the game on Seattle’s opening possession with a hip injury. The severity of the injury remains unclear.

Seattle struggled early, falling behind 10-0 before Lock stabilized the offense in the third quarter. He capped a seven-play drive with a field goal to cut the deficit to 10-3, then delivered the game’s decisive moment in the fourth quarter: a five-play, 67-yard march that ended with a 45-yard touchdown strike to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, evening the score at 10-10. The Seahawks added another field goal later in the quarter to take a 13-10 lead.

New England’s final possession ended when quarterback Drake Maye, who threw three interceptions on the night, was picked off in the end zone with the Patriots positioned at the Seattle 16-yard line.

Lock finished 16-of-22 for 187 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers, adding 13 rushing yards on two carries.

Broadcast Context

The opener aired nationally on NBC, part of Comcast’s media portfolio. Comcast (CMCSA) shares traded at $24.59 on the day, down 6.61% from a previous close of $26.33, giving the Communication Services company a market capitalization of roughly $92.5 billion. The telecom and media conglomerate operates through segments including Media, Studios, and Theme Parks, and its NBC network remains a key rights holder for NFL programming, including Sunday Night Football and select season openers.

Looking Ahead

The result carries roster implications on both sides. Darnold’s health will be the central question in Seattle over the coming weeks, as the team has not disclosed how long the hip injury might keep him sidelined. Lock’s performance gives the coaching staff a proven alternative should the injury prove serious.

For the Patriots, Maye’s three-interception night — including the game-sealing turnover in the red zone — will draw scrutiny as the club regroups before its next outing.

The matchup also sets up an early-season reunion: the Seahawks are scheduled to visit Denver for a Thursday Night Football meeting in Week 6 on Oct. 15, a game that could feature Lock against the franchise that drafted him, depending on Darnold’s recovery timeline.

What to watch

• Injury updates on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s hip in the coming days.
• Whether Lock remains the starter if Darnold misses extended time.
• Drake Maye’s turnover trends in New England’s next games.
• The Week 6 Seahawks-Broncos matchup on Oct. 15.

Source: original release