Sam Darnold enters the 2026-27 regular season as Seattle’s established starter after posting 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and a career-best 67.7% completion rate in 2025 en route to a Super Bowl title. The hip injury sustained on the opening drive of Week 1 against New England, which sidelined him after one series and forced Drew Lock into action, immediately raises questions about early-season availability and workload. A new offensive coordinator emphasizing motion and shifts, combined with reliable targets like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a run game adjusting after Kenneth Walker’s departure, could sustain passing volume if Darnold returns quickly and stays healthy. Traders are monitoring official injury reports for any extended absence or limitations that would cap his season-long yardage total.