Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold will look to continue his surprising run as a bruised knee isn’t expected to sideline him for the team’s Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The team announced the prognosis after an MRI on Monday revealed no structural damage.
The 27-year-old passer appeared to sustain the injury late in the third quarter of the team’s 34-7 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday. He missed one play, but returned to the game. He finished 181 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 34-7 romp.
Coach O’Connell gives update on Darnold pic.twitter.com/FJbF98QN18
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 23, 2024
Darnold has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league through three weeks with 657 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He ranks second in passer rating with a 117.2 mark.
The Vikings have opened the season 3-0 with Darnold under center. Darnold, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, inked a one-year deal with Minnesota after being a backup with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. The Vikings picked Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with their 2024 first-round pick.
Darnold seemed in line to be the starter even with the pick, but secured the job after McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury in the preseason.
GO DEEPER
Sam Darnold’s performance — and health scare — cements role in Vikings’ stellar start
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(Photo: Stephen Maturen / Getty Images)
