Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will not start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Seahawks have officially ruled Darnold out for their NFC West matchup against Arizona because of a glute injury. With Darnold unavailable, Drew Lock will start at quarterback for Seattle, while rookie Jalen Milroe will serve as the backup.
Why Is Sam Darnold Not Playing vs. the Cardinals?
Darnold suffered the injury during Seattle’s season-opening victory over the New England Patriots.
The injury occurred when Darnold was sacked on Seattle’s first offensive possession. He left the game and did not return.
There was initially concern that Darnold had suffered a hip injury, but additional testing determined that his hip joint was unaffected. The Seahawks instead described the issue as a unique soft-tissue injury involving his glute.
Darnold did not participate in Seattle’s Wednesday or Thursday practices ahead of the Cardinals game.
Who Is Starting at Quarterback for the Seahawks in Week 2?
Drew Lock will officially start for the Seahawks against the Cardinals.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the decision, allowing Lock to prepare throughout the week as the team’s QB1 rather than unexpectedly entering the game as he did in Week 1.
The Seahawks’ Week 2 quarterback situation is:
- Starter: Drew Lock
- Backup: Jalen Milroe
- Out: Sam Darnold — glute injury
How Did Drew Lock Play in Week 1?
Lock was forced into action almost immediately after Darnold went down against New England.
He responded by completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown, helping Seattle secure a 13-10 victory over the Patriots.
That performance gives Seattle some confidence in Lock as it prepares for its first divisional matchup of the season.
Will Sam Darnold Go on Injured Reserve?
For now, the answer is no.
Macdonald said the Seahawks do not anticipate placing Darnold on injured reserve. Instead, Seattle plans to continue evaluating his recovery and reassess his status next week.
That is encouraging news because an injured reserve designation would guarantee a longer absence. However, Seattle has not announced an official date for Darnold’s return.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals Week 2 Game Information
The Seattle Seahawks visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET / 1:25 p.m. PT
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
TV: FOX
Both NFC West teams enter the matchup with 1-0 records, adding importance to an early-season divisional battle.
Is Sam Darnold Playing vs. the Cardinals?
No. Sam Darnold has officially been ruled out for the Seahawks’ Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Drew Lock will make the start, with Jalen Milroe backing him up.
The good news for Seattle is that Darnold’s glute injury is currently considered a short-term issue and the Seahawks do not expect to place him on injured reserve. His availability beyond Week 2 will depend on how quickly he progresses during rehabilitation.
For Seattle, the immediate focus shifts to Lock as the Seahawks attempt to move to 2-0 and pick up an important NFC West road victory.