Vikings quarterback Darnold has no structural damage to knee

The Minnesota Vikings can feel lucky today because QB Sam Darnold’s left knee is not seriously injured.

Tests showed a bruise but no structural damage, manager Kevin O’Connell shared, and Darnold is not expected to miss much if any, time in preparation for the organization’s Week 4 game against the Packers in Green Bay.

“It’s a little sore,” the Vikings manager revealed, “but hoping Darnold can have a normal week of preparation in the upcoming days.”

#Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s MRI revealed a knee bruise and no structural damage, per source. pic.twitter.com/CdWuEuNlwR

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— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024

Sam has been 1 of the biggest surprises of the league’s campaign, throwing an NFL-high 8 TD passes in leading Minnesota to a 3-0 beginning. Competing for the 4^th franchise of his 7-year career, he ranks 5^th in the league in Total QBR (73.1).

The problem happened with almost 4 minutes until the end of the 3^rd quarter of the past weekend’s 34-7 win against the Texans. Dropping back for a 2^nd-down pass, Sam absorbed a low hit from Houston DE Danielle Hunter and felt bad. The defensive end was penalized 15 yards for a low hit to the QB.