What happened: Sam Darnold is expected to miss four to six weeks with a hip injury tied to a glute strain, according to reports, after already being ruled out for Seattle's Week 2 trip to Arizona. Drew Lock is now positioned as the Seahawks' starting quarterback for the stretch. Rodney Thomas II was elevated to make an emergency start when Seattle needed a fill-in.
Why it matters: The timeline pushes Seattle into a multi-week stretch leaning on Lock behind an offense built around Darnold, who had awaited hip MRI results earlier in the week. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, becomes the clearest constant for Seattle's passing game during the transition. How Lock performs against Arizona will shape expectations for the Seahawks' season without their starter.
By the numbers: Rodney Thomas II was elevated from Seattle's practice squad to make his emergency start.
What to watch: Watch Drew Lock's outing at Arizona in Week 2 and any updates on Darnold's recovery timeline.