We have heard a couple of different explanations on Darnold's injury, which usually isn't a good sign.
The Seattle Seahawks are still figuring out the extent of Sam Darnold's hip injury that ended his game against the New England Patriots after just five plays.
With Darnold reportedly cleared of any significant damage, fans' minds have eased, but there hasn't been much reporting over the past couple of days.
Some think Darnold will miss only a week or two, while others expect a longer timeline, likely four to six weeks.
So, there is a bit of time between those two thoughts, and we are right now settling in with the knowledge that Sam will sit out Week 2 (with Drew Lock to start vs. Arizona) and with the knowledge that Seattle doesn't want to move Darnold to IR.
But for Mike Salk of Seattle Sports, the difference in reporting on Darnold's injury doesn't sit well with him.
“No one seems to be entirely in agreement, which in and of itself actually makes me a little nervous,” Salk said via Seattle Sports.
So it will be a waiting game as the Seahawks gather all available information and then develop a plan of attack for Darnold. But one thing is for sure, and that is he won't be taking on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, so it will be Lock at quarterback.
However, what happens after that could determine Seattle's season.
Lock is fine for a game or two, but if he is needed to step in for four to six weeks? That could be a problem.
After the Cardinals, Seattle faces the Washington Commanders, the Los Angeles Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
That is a brutal stretch and one that, if the franchise went 2-2 with Lock, they would be thrilled with. But there is a world where they don't, and they have a losing record, and then things could be dicey.
So, a lot hinges on the outcome of all the tests on Darnold and a timeline for his return.
Because one to two weeks is one thing. But missing a month or more is another thing entirely. Yes, the defense is elite, but they can only do so much, and how much faith does the franchise have in Lock to keep the ship afloat?
The next couple of days will be crucial.
