Sam Darnold Listed Out with Right Glute Soreness

Sam Darnold remains sidelined with right glute soreness, now listed Out heading into Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season. The injury is confirmed as an active designation, though the severity grade is inferred — "soreness" language is most consistent with a Grade 1 myotendinous or musculotendinous irritation of the gluteal complex, a structure that demands heavy loading from a quarterback's push-off mechanics and rotational drive. The injury date is confirmed as September 9, 2026, placing Darnold now 12 days into what the literature describes as a 1–2 week window for Grade 1 muscle soreness at this level. He is at or approaching the outer edge of the expected recovery window without a return designation yet, which is worth watching. The prior tracking estimate of 3 weeks (MODERATE severity) suggested a possible Grade 2 component — partial disruption with somewhat more structural involvement — and the continued Out listing at nearly two weeks is at least loosely consistent with that framing. A true Grade 1 gluteal strain in an NFL QB typically resolves within 1–2 weeks; persistence beyond that without a return signal moderately elevates suspicion for a Grade 2 injury. That said, an Out designation alone at this stage doesn't confirm escalation — teams also manage QBs conservatively to protect long-term availability. The trajectory over the next practice week will be the key signal: if Darnold remains absent from participation by mid-week, a Grade 2 reclassification becomes more defensible.