Seahawks: Sam Darnold has a 'very unique soft-tissue injury' that didn't impact hip joint and is considered 'short-term'

The Seattle Seahawks issued a cryptic but encouraging update regarding the health of injured quarterback Sam Darnold Monday.

While the precise nature of his injury remains ambiguous, the update points to Darnold returning to the field sooner than later.

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Per the Seahawks, Darnold sustained a "very unique soft-tissue injury." The injury is actually to a glute muscle rather than his hip and is considered "short-term."

Here's the full statement released by the Seahawks Monday evening:

"Darnold, who was injured on a sack that ended Seattle's first drive, has a very unique soft-tissue injury, but the hip joint is unaffected by the injury. While there is no firm timeline on Darnold's return, it is considered a short-term injury."

Beyond that, the Seahawks did not offer clarity. There's no precise timeline for his return to practice or game action. And the nature of the "very unique soft-tissue injury" remains unclear. But considering where the Seahawks started with Darnold's injury, the update is a positive one.

Seahawks initially feared the worst

Darnold was injured on a sack on the first drive of Seattle's season Wednesday. He left the game and did not return as backup Drew Lock led Seattle's offense in a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots.

The Seahawks initially feared that Darnold had fractured his hip socket, an injury that could end his season and alter the trajectory of his career.

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But initial imaging ruled out a fracture, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday that tests revealed that Darnold instead sustained "an unusual muscle strain in his hip area." Per that report, the Seahawks were seeking further opinions on the injury but weren't considering placing Darnold on injured reserve.

Seattle's update Monday night appears to be in line with Pelissero's report. So for now, it's a matter of waiting for the next update and a clearer picture of when Darnold will return to action. Lock is in line to continue to play in the meantime and is expected to lead Seattle's offense against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

How will Seahawks fare without Darnold

While losing a starting quarterback to injury is a significant blow to any team, the Seahawks appear uniquely prepared to move forward without theirs. Thanks to the strength of a swarming defense and playmakers on offense, the Seahawks won the Super Bowl last season while requiring little more than game management from Darnold.

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On Wednesday, they beat the reigning AFC champion Patriots with the same formula that required Lock to play largely mistake-free football and little more.