Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Could Be Out Until October

Initial concerns about Darnold’s hip were allayed by testing that indicated his glute was impacted instead. But Seattle’s update that their star quarterback was dealing with a “very unique soft-tissue” injury raised more questions than it answered.

Finally, though, some clarity has emerged. The Seahawks are “bracing” for Darnold to miss four weeks from the date of the injury, but they remain “hopeful that he can beat that timeline and get back a week or two earlier, potentially,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“I’m told he’s already feeling better, moving better on that glute injury, so he’s trending positively here,” Fowler added.

A four-week absence would get Darnold back on the field in Week 5 ahead of what could be a crucial NFC West matchup with the 49ers. Seattle seems to believe that returning earlier is on the table, but obviously, rushing Darnold back only for him to aggravate his injury would make matters significantly worse.

As a result, Drew Lock will start at least a few more games in Seattle. He played well in Week 1, completing 72.7% of his passes and averaging 8.5 yards per attempt, and a full week at the helm of the offense should help him carry – if not improve on – that performance into Sunday’s matchup with the Cardinals.

This could be a huge, potentially career-altering opportunity for Lock. NFL teams have grown increasingly more willing to pursue reclamation projects at the quarterback position, especially when they get a glimpse of solid play in situations like these. Lock’s career stats as a starter are underwhelming, but two years with Darnold – himself a perfect example of quarterbacks’ comeback potential – could help him reset and find a second act to his career.