The Seattle Seahawks opened their 2026 NFL season with a dramatic 13-10 comeback victory over the New England Patriots, but the win came with an early scare after starting quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury.
Darnold was injured during Seattle's opening offensive drive after being sacked by Patriots defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones. He initially went to the sideline before heading to the medical tent and later the locker room. He did not return to the game.
Drew Lock steps in
With Darnold sidelined, Drew Lock was forced into action.
The backup quarterback struggled to generate much offense during the first three quarters, as Seattle fell behind 10-0. But everything changed in the final quarter.
Lock led two crucial scoring drives and connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard completion on fourth-and-1, helping Seattle erase the deficit and tie the game.
Seattle's defense then completely changed the game.
Drake Maye's three interceptions decide the game
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had New England in position to win, but Seattle intercepted him three times in the fourth quarter.
The final interception came from Josh Jobe in the end zone with less than a minute remaining, sealing the Seahawks' comeback victory.
Jason Myers had already given Seattle a 13-10 lead with a 26-yard field goal, leaving New England one final chance to respond. Jobe's interception ended that opportunity.
What happened to Sam Darnold?
The early news surrounding Darnold was at least somewhat encouraging. Initial examinations indicated that he did not suffer a fracture, although further evaluation was required.
The Seahawks will now have to monitor his recovery and determine how long he will be unavailable.
The bottom line
Seattle looked to be in serious trouble after losing its starting quarterback and falling behind 10-0.
Instead, Drew Lock and the Seahawks' defense delivered one of the biggest comebacks of the opening week, giving the defending champions a 13-10 victory over the Patriots.
For New England, the defeat was made even more painful by Drake Maye's three fourth-quarter interceptions and an injury to newly acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown left the game with a right ankle injury after recording three catches for 26 yards.
NFL — Sam Darnold injury update: NFL official report
