Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Sam Darnold to Undergo MRI Following Knee Injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is scheduled to undergo an MRI examination on his left knee following an injury sustained during the team’s recent game against the Houston Texans. The incident took place in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis when Darnold was hit low by former Vikings player, Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter.

Darnold briefly left the field, missing one play, but later returned to help Minnesota secure a solid 34-7 victory. Postgame, Darnold attempted to minimize concerns about the injury, stating, “Getting hit low there, we will evaluate it. We’ll look at it but it felt good enough to go back in the game.” He further added that more would be known about the injury after the MRI results are obtained.

Although Darnold reported feeling “good” about the knee’s condition after the match, his status for future training sessions or games remains uncertain. When asked if the injury might affect his participation, he refrained from speculating, saying, “I’m not sure. I’m not going to speak on specifics like that. Evaluating it tomorrow, I feel like we will have more information on it tomorrow.” Darnold did emphasize that the hit from Hunter was not intentional or “dirty.”

During the game against the Texans, Darnold threw for 181 yards, completing four touchdowns, which contributed to Minnesota’s current 3-0 standing. His performance over the three games has included a 67.9% pass completion rate, accumulating 657 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. Darnold, originally the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, joined Minnesota in March, following stints with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold’s position as the starting quarterback was ensured after Vikings’ rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. In the event Darnold is unable to play, Nick Mullens is the next in line as the backup quarterback, with Brett Rypien third on Minnesota’s depth chart.