Sam Darnold (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Sam Darnold’s night ended almost as quickly as it began, leaving the Seattle Seahawks with an immediate concern on the opening night of the NFL season. The quarterback was forced out after suffering a hip injury on the first drive, but early testing has given the defending champions reason for some optimism. Darnold avoided a fracture, although the Seahawks are still waiting for a more detailed medical assessment.Sam Darnold Injury Update Brings Encouraging NewsThe Seahawks had little time to settle into their season opener before their plans changed. Darnold left the game after the early injury and was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further evaluation.The first major update came from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported that a CT scan did not provide a final diagnosis but offered an encouraging sign. Darnold is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday, which should give Seattle a much clearer picture of the injury and how long he could be unavailable."Sources: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has been at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, undergoing a CT scan on his hip. The initial test was encouraging but inconclusive, and Darnold now is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday."For Seattle, the most important piece of news so far is that the initial tests did not show a hip fracture. A serious fracture could have kept Darnold out for a large part of the season and forced the Seahawks to reshape their plans at quarterback.Head coach Mike Macdonald also sounded positive when discussing the situation after the game."Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald says the team got good news on Sam Darnold, who underwent tests that ruled out a hip fracture. Still more tests to come. But Macdonald sounded upbeat about the initial prognosis."That update does not mean Darnold is ready to return. The MRI remains an important next step, particularly because the Seahawks need to know whether there is damage that could limit his mobility or keep him sidelined for several weeks.Seahawks Quarterback Situation Ahead of Week 2While Darnold’s status remains uncertain, Seattle has already shown that it can compete without its starting quarterback. Drew Lock stepped in and helped the Seahawks rally to a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots.That result could prove especially valuable if Darnold needs time away from the field. Lock has experience in Seattle and now has an early opportunity to keep the offense moving while the team waits for a definitive diagnosis.The Seahawks are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals on the road next week. Whether Darnold can take part will likely depend on Thursday’s MRI results and how he responds during practice.For now, Seattle can take some comfort from the news that a fracture has been ruled out. The bigger question is still unanswered: how serious is the hip injury, and when can Sam Darnold safely return to the field?The MRI should provide the next major clue.