Seahawks announce Sam Darnold injury ahead of Cardinals game

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Seahawks announce Sam Darnold injury ahead of Cardinals game

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Nov 4, 2026 2:21 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to find and maintain positive momentum.

The defending Super Bowl Champions will enter Week 9 with a 4-4 record and are on the outside looking into the playoff picture. To make matters worse, a report Wednesday revealed that Seattle will be without starting quarterback Sam Darnold on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Sam Darnold suffered an injury in Week 8 against the Bears

According to Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, Darnold suffered a quad injury at the end of Monday's game against the Chicago Bears that will cause him to be out on Sunday against Arizona.

MacDonald told reporters that Darnold is considered week-to-week and that a stint on IR is not being considered at this current moment.

Mike Macdonald announcing Sam Darnold will not play this week. pic.twitter.com/TYGcWp7t7Y
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) November 4, 2026

Drew Lock will start against Arizona

Just like in Week 2, it will be Drew Lock that replaces Darnold at quarterback for the Seahawks. Interestingly enough, Lock's only other start this season came against Arizona, and he had a ton of success.

In that game, Lock completed 19-of-26 passes for 235 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. For the season, Lock has completed 35-of-48 (72.9%) passes for 422 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers.

Sam Darnold will need to return to form when he is healthy

Darnold has struggled a bit this season, as he has 10 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a QBR of just 42.9. It has been a much different version of Darnold than the one that was one of the best in the league last season and played a nearly perfect postseason.

If the Seahawks hope to make another deep playoff run this season, they'll need Darnold to return 100% healthy and be a different player than he's been thus far.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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