Sam Darnold Injury Update Given By Mike Macdonald Ahead of NFL Week 2 Amid Glute Issue

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald provided a new update regarding the health of quarterback Sam Darnold on Friday.

"He's on his way back," Macdonald said, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "Is it next week? Is it the week after, the week after that? I'm not sure. I'm optimistic, put it that way."

Darnold was previously ruled out of the Seahawks' Week 2 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals due to a glute injury that he suffered in the first quarter of their season-opening win over the New England Patriots.

He didn't participate in practice throughout the week leading up to Sunday's clash with Arizona.

The Seahawks described his health issue as a "very unique soft-tissue" injury that isn't expected to sideline him long term, per ESPN's Brady Henderson. Seattle also chose not to place Darnold on injured reserve, which indicates that the team believes he can back within its next four games.

The 29-year-old wrapped up a 2025 campaign in which he started all 17 regular-season games before helping the Seahawks capture their second Super Bowl title.

Darnold threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions last season, compiling a career-high 67.7 completion percentage. He earned a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.

Until Darnold is able to return, the Seahawks will continue to rely on Drew Lock as their starter under center. Second-year passer Jalen Milroe is also available as a reserve option.

Lock replaced Darnold in Week 1, finishing 16-of-22 for 187 yards and one touchdown without getting picked off. He helped the Seahawks come back from a 10-point deficit in the second half to secure a 13-10 win over New England.

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Darnold's next opportunity to play will come during Seattle's Week 3 game against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27.