MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have improved to 3-0 following their decisive victory over the Houston Texans. However, the game brought concerns for quarterback Sam Darnold, who suffered a knee bruise during the match, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Darnold is experiencing some soreness but is expected to have a normal preparation week leading up to the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. Vikings fans were anxious when Darnold briefly left the field after the injury, but he returned quickly, missing only one play. The full extent of the injury remains to be evaluated, as both Darnold and O’Connell suggested additional testing might be necessary.
Darnold noted after the game, “We’ll evaluate it, we’ll look at it, but I felt good enough to be able to go back in the game.” O’Connell confirmed that Darnold “got rolled up” on a roughing the passer penalty by former Viking Danielle Hunter, who was penalized for the hit.
Backup quarterback Nick Mullens stepped in briefly while Darnold’s knee was assessed, but he quickly returned to the field, earning a warm reception from the crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium. Darnold expressed gratitude for the fans’ support, highlighting his positive experience in Minnesota.
Darnold’s strong performance has significantly contributed to the Vikings’ unbeaten start, as he threw four touchdowns without any interceptions during the victory. Currently, he leads the league in touchdown passes and ranks highly in passer rating and adjusted net yards per attempt.
The Vikings have already faced setbacks this season, losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending injury. Following successful surgery for a torn meniscus, McCarthy was placed on injured reserve, leaving the team with Darnold and veteran Brett Rypien as options.
Additionally, O’Connell mentioned that players Jordan Addison, Dallas Turner, and Ivan Pace Jr. will be assessed on a day-to-day basis regarding their injuries, with hopes of their return before the game against the Packers.