Seahawks sideline Sam Darnold with glute injury for upcoming Cardinals clash

Seattle’s coaching staff confirmed on Tuesday that quarterback Sam Darnold will not suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN reported the decision follows a glute injury Darnold suffered during the Seahawks’ Wednesday victory that marked the league’s opening week.

The strain was identified after Darnold completed the win‑over‑Washington game, prompting team doctors to place him on the injury list. While the exact timeline for his return remains unclear, the Seahawks have not yet named a replacement starter for the Cardinals contest.

Darnold entered Seattle’s roster this offseason after a trade from the Carolina Panthers, bringing a three‑year, $75 million contract and the expectation of stabilizing a quarterback carousel that has seen multiple changes in recent years. He posted a modest debut, completing 18 of 31 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, but the glute issue now sidelines him at a critical juncture.

The Seahawks have historically grappled with quarterback continuity. Over the past five seasons, Seattle cycled through four different starters, a pattern that has hampered offensive consistency and playoff aspirations. Darnold’s injury adds another variable to a roster already dealing with key absences on both sides of the ball, including a lingering ankle problem for running back Kenneth Walker III.

In the broader NFL landscape, soft‑tissue injuries like glute strains are common early in the season as players adjust to the heightened intensity of regular‑season play. Teams often rely on depth charts and practice‑ squad elevations to fill gaps, but the loss of a primary signal‑caller can force strategic revisions, especially for a franchise aiming to rebound from a disappointing previous campaign.

Seattle will look to its coaching staff to adapt the game plan for Sunday, potentially emphasizing the run game and short‑pass concepts to mitigate the absence of Darnold’s arm. The outcome could influence the Seahawks’ positioning in the fiercely competitive NFC West, where every win carries heightened significance.