INJURY UPDATE. Rookie OL Who Hasn't Allowed a Sack in 7+ Games Suffers Serious Knee Injury While Trying to Protect QB Sam Darnold. “I've Never Played a Game This Brutal in My Life”

Seattle, Washington. 17/11/2025

The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just leave SoFi Stadium with a 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. They also lost one of their brightest emerging stars of the season. rookie offensive lineman Grey Zabel. who had gone more than seven games without allowing a single sack on his quarterback.

But in a defining fourth-quarter moment. as Sam Darnold faced relentless pressure from the Rams’ defense. Zabel suffered a devastating knee injury while throwing his body into a blitz coming off the left edge. He collapsed to the turf in visible agony. forcing trainers and team doctors to rush in. A heavy silence fell over the Seahawks’ sideline as Zabel tried to get up but couldn’t put weight on his leg.

Seattle later confirmed a knee injury and announced that imaging tests will be conducted Monday to determine the severity. However. based on how Zabel left the field. fears of a long-term absence are growing rapidly.

Inside the locker room. the 23-year-old rookie spoke with red-rimmed eyes as he described the moment.

“I’ve never played a game this brutal in my life. They were coming from every direction and all I could think about was staying on my feet long enough to protect Sam. I felt my knee fold in a way I never want to experience again. but I still tried to hold on for a few more seconds. That’s my responsibility. that’s my job for this team.”

Seattle’s offense felt the impact immediately. Zabel wasn’t just a rookie. he had been one of the most reliable linemen on the roster. allowing zero sacks and committing only one penalty through more than half the season. Losing him shakes the foundation of Seattle’s protection unit at one of the most critical stages of the year.

Head coach Mike Macdonald offered words of support while acknowledging Zabel’s importance.
He said the team will “pray for the best outcome.” but must prepare for every possibility.

Sam Darnold. the quarterback Zabel was protecting on the play the injury occurred. kept his message short but heartfelt.

“He fought until the very last second. I owe him a lot.”

Seattle now waits anxiously for the test results—hoping this injury won’t become the premature end to what had been an extremely promising rookie season for Grey Zabel.