Sam Darnold Avoids Serious Injury, MRI Reveals Only Knee Bruise
The Minnesota Vikings received a sigh of relief on Monday after an MRI revealed that quarterback Sam Darnold’s left knee injury sustained during Sunday’s 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans was nothing more than a bruise. The good news means Darnold is expected to be available for the team’s upcoming Week 4 showdown against division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Darnold, who has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season, was injured late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game when he took a low hit from Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter. The hit caused Darnold to fall awkwardly, and he limped off the field under his own power before being evaluated in the medical tent. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens stepped in for one play before Darnold returned to the game, finishing with four touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
Despite the scary moment, the MRI results came back clean, showing no structural damage to Darnold’s knee. “Really, really good news,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday. “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.”
Darnold’s resilience and ability to play through the injury impressed both fans and coaches alike. The 27-year-old quarterback has been a revelation for the Vikings, leading the team to a 3-0 start and throwing a league-high eight touchdown passes. He currently ranks fifth in the NFL in passer rating and has completed nearly 68% of his passes, making him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league.
Darnold’s success has come as a surprise to many, considering his tumultuous past with the New York Jets, where he struggled mightily during his first three seasons in the league. However, the quarterback has found new life with the Vikings, who signed him as a free agent after he spent the previous season as Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I’ll say this: Everybody has liked Darnold except the Jets,” New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said on Monday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show.” “The people in Carolina that I talked to, they really liked him… I know Kevin [O’Connell] and some of the coaches in Minnesota they really like this guy too, so it seemed like the only people that didn’t like Darnold was the Jets.”
With Darnold healthy and playing at a high level, the Vikings now have their sights set on a big test in Week 4 against the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love or Malik Willis, will present a tough challenge for the undefeated Vikings. However, with Darnold at the helm, the Vikings are confident they can continue their hot start to the season.
“It’s good to know that Sam is going to be out there and healthy for us next week,” Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson said. “He’s been playing lights out, and we need him to continue that.”
As the Vikings prepare for their biggest test of the season, they can take comfort in knowing that their quarterback is not only healthy but also playing some of the best football of his career. With Darnold leading the way, the Vikings are poised to make a run at the playoffs and potentially challenge for a Super Bowl title.