Vikings’ Sam Darnold to have MRI on Knee Injury from Week 3 Win

In a standout performance at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sam Darnold led the Minnesota Vikings to a commanding 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans. The veteran quarterback showcased his skills by throwing four touchdowns, establishing his dominance in Week 3.

However, Darnold’s stellar performance came with a cost. He is now scheduled to undergo an MRI for a knee injury, as reported by NBC Sports. The injury occurred late in the game when former Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter tackled Darnold during a sack attempt, resulting in a roughing the passer penalty against Hunter.

After the hit, Darnold briefly left the field in discomfort. Despite initially trying to walk off the injury, he eventually sat down in pain before making his way to the sidelines. After a brief stint on the bench where backup Nick Mullens took one snap, Darnold returned to finish the game.

Postgame, Darnold offered a few words about his condition, stating to Mike Florio, “It’s good, and that’s as much as I’m gonna say about that.” He maintained a cautious tone when speaking to CBS after the game, mentioning that he felt “OK” but also noted, “we’ll see” what the further evaluations might reveal.

Darnold’s four touchdown passes in the game not only propelled the Vikings to victory but also placed him at the top of the NFL for scoring passes this season. With this achievement, he made history as the first Vikings quarterback to throw multiple touchdown passes in three consecutive wins at the season’s start.

The Vikings are already grappling with injury concerns, having lost first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. This has intensified the pressure on Darnold, especially considering that aside from Mullens, the team has journeyman quarterback Brett Rypien available as a backup.

As the Vikings maintain an undefeated record at 3-0, the next few days will be critical for Darnold’s health and the team’s strategy moving forward. With the status of their starting quarterback in question, the Vikings will be looking closely at the outcomes of the MRI and potential roster adjustments. The performance this week is not only a highlight in Darnold’s career but also a pivotal moment for the Vikings as they push for a strong season.