NFL
Vikings QB Depth Chart: Is Sam Darnold Injured?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Will Darnold be able to suit up in Week 4? View the Vikings QB depth chart below.
Sam Darnold Injured In Win
WATCH: @Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell reacts to Sam Darnold only having a knee bruise, and he shouldn't be miss any time.
"He goes back in the game and I’m holding the call sheet so I can’t clap like everybody else did, or I would have.." #Vikings pic.twitter.com/cCb7mfn0Fa
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) September 23, 2024
Darnold briefly exited in the third quarter after awkwardly being hit in the knee. He later returned to finish the game.
Despite the fear that Darnold suffered a major injury, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed the good news on Monday morning.
“Really good news. Positive news,” O’Connell said of Darnold on Monday via Fox 9. “Extensive evaluations this morning, really just revealing a knee bruise in there. A little sore. But hoping Sam can have a normal week of preparation as we go through it.”
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported earlier today that Darnold’s MRI revealed a knee bruise and no structural damage.
Darnold is not expected to miss time as the Vikings prepare to play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 4.
If Darnold misses time, Nick Mullens would be in line to start.
Vikings QB Sam Darnold 🤕
Briefly out of the game after this awkward tackle
Gets bent back but nothing too concerning, potentially a mild MCL sprain
Already back in & moving in the pocket well 📈#Skol pic.twitter.com/vlc9CWRKjv
— Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS (@TheDegenDoc) September 22, 2024
Sam Darnold Off To The Best Start Of His Career
Sam Darnold currently leads the NFL in passing TDS 🎯 pic.twitter.com/f1PcUYivcn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 22, 2024
The 2024 season has been a career revival for Darnold.
The former No. 3 pick signed with the Vikings this offseason to compete with rookie J.J. McCarthy for the starting position. After McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp, Darnold became the opening-week starter.
Darnold has taken the job and thrived, completing 53 of 78 passes for 657 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.
More importantly, Darnold and the Vikings are first in the NFC North at 3-0. If Darnold continues his spectacular way, it will be interesting to see if the Vikings reward him with a long-term extension.