Sam Darnold Ruled Out for Week 2: Seahawks Turn to Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks will be without starting quarterback Sam Darnold for their Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the team officially announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Darnold, who suffered a glute injury on the opening drive of Seattle's Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, has been ruled out as the Seahawks continue to evaluate his recovery. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the injury initially raised fears of a significant hip issue, but further evaluation revealed a less severe glute strain, providing a sigh of relief for the organization.

No IR Move Expected, Week 5 Return Possible

Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the media on Wednesday and expressed optimism that Darnold will not require a stint on injured reserve. "Don't anticipate putting him on IR or anything like that, but we'll just kind of re-evaluate every day and re-evaluate next week and we'll go from there," Macdonald told reporters. "But he won't play this week." ESPN reported that the Seahawks believe Darnold could miss up to four weeks, with one source indicating a potential return for a Week 5 divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers. As highlighted on Vulius, Macdonald noted that Darnold is "killing it" in his rehab process, a promising sign for a Seattle team with playoff aspirations.

Drew Lock Takes the Reins

With Darnold sidelined, veteran backup Drew Lock is set to start under center. Lock relieved Darnold in Week 1 and delivered a steady performance, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown in the Seahawks' Super Bowl rematch win over New England. Lock's familiarity with the offense and poise in the pocket have earned him the confidence of the coaching staff. "Drew's known he's going to start here for a while," Macdonald said. "So I'm looking forward to seeing him practice today, just like I am Sam when he's playing."

Jalen Milroe Steps Up as Backup

Rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe will serve as the No. 2 quarterback for Week 2, a significant step in his development. The Seahawks have no plans to sign another quarterback, signaling faith in their current depth. Milroe's athleticism and dual-threat ability could add a dynamic element to the offense if called upon. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the team is comfortable with Lock and Milroe handling the position until Darnold returns.

Injury Timeline and Implications

Darnold's injury occurred when he was sacked by Dre'Mont Jones during the first quarter of Seattle's Week 1 win. The hit initially appeared to be a serious hip injury, but subsequent tests revealed a glute strain. The Seahawks dodged the worst-case scenario, and Darnold's rehab has been encouraging. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team is optimistic he could return by Week 5 against the 49ers, a critical NFC West showdown.

What's Next for Seattle

The Seahawks host the Cardinals in Week 2, aiming to build on their Week 1 success. With Lock under center and Milroe ready, Seattle believes it can navigate this stretch. As highlighted on Vulius, the team's depth and resilience will be tested, but the locker room remains confident. Fans can expect a determined effort as the Seahawks fight to stay atop the division. For the latest NFL news and custom merchandise, visit Vulius.com.