Sam Darnold played through oblique injury during Seattle Seahawks postseason run
10 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 7:46 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold managed a Grade 1 external oblique strain throughout the team's championship run, including the Super Bowl LX victory against the New England Patriots. Reports indicate the injury appeared two days before the divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, forcing the Seahawks to prepare backup Drew Lock to start. Darnold did not participate in pregame warmups for that playoff opener but ultimately started all remaining games, recording five touchdown passes and no interceptions during the postseason. Despite the championship win, Darnold noted his frustration with his individual performance against New England. Both Darnold and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who also dealt with a shoulder injury during the playoffs, are expected to be healthy for the upcoming season opener. The teams meet for a rematch Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. PT.
- •Sam Darnold sustained a Grade 1 external oblique strain before the divisional playoff game.
- •The Seattle Seahawks prepared Drew Lock to start in place of an injured Darnold.
- •Darnold finished the postseason with five touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
- •Drake Maye played through a shoulder injury during the AFC championship game.
- •The teams face each other in a Super Bowl rematch this Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. PT.
- 8:37 PMESPN NFL — Can Drew Lock keep the Seahawks' offense afloat if Sam Darnold remains out?
- 6:16 AMYahoo Sports — Drew Lock keys comeback win
- 5:39 AMYahoo Sports — Seahawks news: Drew Lock speaks up on unexpected night amid Sam Darnold injury
- 4:05 AMYahoo Sports — Seahawks’ Drew Lock Gets Potential Golden Opportunity With Sam Darnold Injury
- 1:01 AMYahoo Sports — Seahawks' Drew Lock replaces Sam Darnold after injury. What to know about backup QB
- 12:58 AMYahoo Sports — Who Is Drew Lock? Seahawks Backup Replaces Sam Darnold Vs. Patriots
- 12:56 AMYahoo Sports — Who is Sam Darnold's backup after Week 1 injury?
- 12:45 AMYahoo Sports — Sam Darnold injury scare immediately steals joy from Seahawks’ Super Bowl banner night
"The Seattle Seahawks were reportedly preparing to turn to Drew Lock during their Super Bowl run after Sam Darnold suffered a significant oblique injury ahead of their divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed new details about Darnold’s injury Wednesday in his Substack newsletter, “The Sweep,” […] The post Seahawks rumors: Sam Darnold's playoff injury had Seattle ready for Drew Lock emergency appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"The Seattle Seahawks raised their Super Bowl LX banner on Wednesday night. Then, they took on the New England Patriots in a rematch of the big game. Quarterback Sam Darnold exited with an injury in this game. But backup Drew Lock was ready to answer the challenge. Lock entered the game in the first quarter, and he went to work. He finished the game […] The post Seahawks news: Drew Lock speaks up on unexpected night amid Sam Darnold injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock entered the season opener versus the New England Patriots after Sam Darnold suffered an injury in the first quarter. The post Seahawks’ Drew Lock Gets Potential Golden Opportunity With Sam Darnold Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External links- ESPN NFLSep 11, 2026, 8:37 PMCan Drew Lock keep the Seahawks' offense afloat if Sam Darnold remains out?
Lock led Seattle to a Week 1 win after Darnold injured his hip and left the game. But can he keep it up against the Cardinals in Week 2 -- and potentially beyond?
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 6:16 AMDrew Lock keys comeback win
An early injury to Sam Darnold (hip) put Lock in the spotlight, and he responded with a solid effort in leading Seattle to a comeback win.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 5:39 AMSeahawks news: Drew Lock speaks up on unexpected night amid Sam Darnold injury
The Seattle Seahawks raised their Super Bowl LX banner on Wednesday night. Then, they took on the New England Patriots in a rematch of the big game. Quarterback Sam Darnold exited with an injury in this game. But backup Drew Lock was ready to answer the challenge. Lock entered the game in the first quarter, and he went to work. He finished the game […] The post Seahawks news: Drew Lock speaks up on unexpected night amid Sam Darnold injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 4:05 AMSeahawks’ Drew Lock Gets Potential Golden Opportunity With Sam Darnold Injury
Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock entered the season opener versus the New England Patriots after Sam Darnold suffered an injury in the first quarter. The post Seahawks’ Drew Lock Gets Potential Golden Opportunity With Sam Darnold Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 1:01 AMSeahawks' Drew Lock replaces Sam Darnold after injury. What to know about backup QB
Drew Lock had been relegated to backup status since being dealt in the Russell Wilson trade, but he stepped into action in the Seahawks' opener.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 12:58 AMWho Is Drew Lock? Seahawks Backup Replaces Sam Darnold Vs. Patriots
Tough start for the defending champions.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 12:56 AMWho is Sam Darnold's backup after Week 1 injury?
The good news: Drew Lock has starting experience. The bad news: what Drew Lock has done with said experience.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 12:45 AMSam Darnold injury scare immediately steals joy from Seahawks’ Super Bowl banner night
Sam Darnold suffered an apparent injury during the Seahawks' season opener against the Patriots, leaving his status uncertain as Drew Lock took over at quarterback.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 12:44 AMSeahawks quarterback Sam Darnold injured, replaced by Drew Lock
Disaster strikes for the Seahawks on the opening series of the season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 3:33 PMSeahawks rumors: Sam Darnold's playoff injury had Seattle ready for Drew Lock emergency
The Seattle Seahawks were reportedly preparing to turn to Drew Lock during their Super Bowl run after Sam Darnold suffered a significant oblique injury ahead of their divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed new details about Darnold’s injury Wednesday in his Substack newsletter, “The Sweep,” […] The post Seahawks rumors: Sam Darnold's playoff injury had Seattle ready for Drew Lock emergency appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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