Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings got some welcome news regarding their quarterback, Sam Darnold, as an MRI revealed no structural damage to his left knee, the team announced Monday. Darnold, who sustained the injury during the Vikings’ dominant 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans, is expected to be fully available for the team’s upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers.
Darnold briefly left Sunday’s contest after taking a hit in the third quarter but missed only one play. The veteran QB returned to the game and finished strong, throwing four touchdown passes in the win. It marked another standout performance for Darnold, who has been a revelation this season as the Vikings’ starter.
After years of inconsistency, Darnold is enjoying a career renaissance. So far in 2024, he’s thrown for 657 yards with an NFL-leading eight touchdown passes against just two interceptions, helping Minnesota race to a surprising 3-0 start. Darnold’s efficiency and leadership have sparked the team, especially after losing rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.
The Vikings’ hot start is garnering attention across the NFL. According to ESPN BET, Minnesota is the first team in nine seasons to begin 3-0 without being favored by more than a single point in any of their games. The team’s Super Bowl odds have also improved dramatically, dropping from 100-1 to 35-1, with Darnold’s MVP chances now mirroring those odds.
With a crucial divisional matchup against the Packers on the horizon, the Vikings will hope Darnold continues his stellar play and builds on what has been an unexpected but thrilling start to the season.
