Sam Darnold's Injury News: No Structural Damage in Knee MRI

Sam Darnold's Encouraging MRI Results

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold will be working through some soreness this week, but an MRI Monday revealed no structural damage in his knee.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell shared the positive results during his media session Monday, less than 24 hours after Darnold quarterbacked Minnesota to a 34-7 win over Houston and a 3-0 start to the 2024 season.

Hope for Normal Preparation Week

O’Connell said Darnold underwent an extensive evaluation, and the coach hopes the QB will have a normal week of preparation as the team prepares to visit Green Bay in Week 4.

Game Highlights

Darnold left Sunday’s game against Houston late in the third quarter after he was hit low from behind by former Vikings edge defender Danielle Hunter, who was blocked into the quarterback on the play. He returned to action after a quick evaluation in Minnesota’s blue medical tent to finish that possession with a 35-yard field goal by Will Reichard and led Minnesota on two more scoring drives.

• Darnold tied his single-game career high with four touchdown passes.
• This boosted his total on the young season to an NFL-leading eight.
• He is the first Vikings QB to start and win the opening three games of a season since Brett Favre in 2009.
• Darnold’s passer rating of 117.3 ranks second in the NFL ahead of Monday night’s doubleheader.