Sam Darnold was legit on Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings thrashed the Houston Texans, winning with a score of 34-7 at the U.S. Bank Stadium. The seventh-year veteran quarterback threw four touchdown passes, and 181 yards, and continued his outstanding performances this season. The Vikings remain unbeaten, along with the Steelers, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Bills (2-0) with three wins total. But there was a gut-wrenching moment — not unlike what the Packers felt in Week 1 with Jordan Love — when Darnold had to sit out for a while due to his knee injury, for which he is expected to get an MRI done today.
This event happened in the last quarter of the game when Darnold was trying to pass the ball, a former Vikings pass rusher, Danielle Hunter sacked him and was called for roughing the passer. At first, Darnold attempted to dismiss the pain and limp off the field, but eventually had to sit down. Second-string quarterback Nick Mullens, with JJ. McCarthy ruled out for the season, played one play when Darnold went to the bench for an evaluation.
However, Darnold was back on the field to complete the game and downplayed the injury afterward. “It’s good,” Darnold told The Sports Notebook’s Mike Florio in a post-game interview. “And that’s as much as I’m gonna say about that.” The quarterback, when asked the same question on CBS’ postgame broadcast, only said that he was ‘Ok’ but admitted the extent of the injury would demand further tests.
Minnesota Vikings: Sam Darnold’s Outlook
We’ll get an update from HC Kevin O’Connell here soon but this doctor thinks #Vikings QB Sam Darnold likely suffered a mild knee sprain and should be good to go for Sunday’s BIG matchup against the #Packers.
pic.twitter.com/SP6lPqvdTw— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 23, 2024
This MRI scan is big news, particularly when you consider the state of the quarterback position in Minnesota now. J.J. McCarthy, their first-round draft pick had a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Given that Darnold’s status is now up in the air, the Vikings may have some tough choices concerning the team’s quarterback depth. After Darnold, the Vikings have Nick Mullens who played one snap on Sunday, along with third-stringer Brett Rypien.
Darnold has been an unexpected surprise for Minnesota this season. His four touchdown passes on Sunday make him the NFL leader in scoring passes. Also, make him the first quarterback in Vikings history to throw multiple touchdowns along with three straight wins to start the season. It is a great start that fans hope will continue.
Sadly, for now, the Vikings and their fans will have to wait and cross their fingers and toes that the MRI will be positive. Darnold has shown resilience in overcoming the odds, therefore, expectations are pegged on him playing in Week 4 against the rival Green Bay Packers. But until the results are in, everyone in Minnesota is holding their breath that Darnold’s injury is just a small setback in what has been an otherwise remarkable beginning to the season.
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