The Minnesota Vikings are breathing easier after receiving positive news regarding quarterback Sam Darnold’s left knee injury. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced that tests confirmed a bruise but no structural damage, meaning Darnold is expected to have a minimal impact on his preparation for the upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
“It’s a little sore,” O’Connell stated, adding that he is optimistic Darnold can go through a normal week of training.
Darnold has been a standout player this season, leading the league with eight touchdown passes and helping the Vikings achieve a 3-0 record. Currently, he ranks fifth in Total QBR at 73.1 in his fourth team during a seven-year career.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of Sunday’s 34-7 win against the Houston Texans when Darnold faced a low hit from defensive end Danielle Hunter as he was trying to pass. The hit resulted in a 15-yard penalty for Hunter.
Although he initially stood up after the hit, Darnold began to limp and sat on the field for medical evaluation. After briefly leaving the field, he returned to the game after backup Nick Mullens took one play, earning a loud cheer from the home crowd, a moment that Darnold described as significant to him.
Post-game, both Darnold and O’Connell warned against underestimating the injury. The situation recalled past incidents such as Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles tear and rookie J.J. McCarthy’s meniscus tear.
In addition, O’Connell addressed concerns regarding receiver Justin Jefferson’s jammed finger, sustained during his sixth catch in the second quarter. While X-rays showed no break, Jefferson was not targeted much afterward, with one of the missed opportunities recorded as a drop. O’Connell attributed the other missed pass to Darnold overcorrecting based on prior feedback.