As expected, the Seahawks will be without their starting quarterback in Week 2. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed on Wednesday that Sam Darnold will miss Seattle’s upcoming game against the Cardinals.

Darnold’s season debut was cut short by what initially appeared to be a hip injury. Early testing suggested a long-term absence would not be in store, and it has since been learned the veteran signal-caller is actually dealing with a glute ailment. It remains to be seen if Darnold will be back for Week 3, but an extended period on the sidelines is still not expected.

Macdonald confirmed (h/t Jonathan Jones of The Athletic) Darnold will not be placed on injured reserve. IR stints require at least an absence of four games, so it is of course encouraging that will not be necessary in this case. Macdonald also said the Seahawks will not be making a quarterback addition.

As a result, veteran Drew Lock will be counted on as the team’s starter for Week 2. 2025 third-rounder Jalen Milroe, meanwhile, will serve as Seattle’s backup. Lock helped guide the Seahawks to a come-from-behind win in Week 1, securing a victory over the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch in the process. The 29-year-old did not take any first-team reps during the time leading up to last week’s contest, but that will obviously change over the coming days.

Arizona pulled off a 26-14 upset over the Chargers on Sunday. The Cardinals will enter Week 2 with unexpected momentum as a result, and they will face a shorthanded Seahawks offense in the process. Nevertheless, today’s update confirms Seattle anticipates Darnold returning to the fold in the near future. His Week 3 status will be worth watching closely.