In a stunning performance at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sam Darnold proved that he is the real deal, overshadowing C.J. Stroud as he led the Minnesota Vikings to a resounding 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Darnold’s four touchdown throws showcased his skills and solidified his place as a top quarterback in the league. However, amidst the celebrations, the seasoned quarterback suffered a knee injury that will require further examination, according to reports from NBC Sports.
The injury came late in the game when former Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter tackled Darnold, drawing a roughing the passer penalty. Although Darnold initially tried to brush off the pain, he eventually had to take a seat to assess the damage. Despite concerns about his knee, Darnold managed to return to the game after a brief stint on the sidelines with backup Nick Mullens taking over for just one play.
“It’s good,” Darnold revealed to Mike Florio about his knee in a brief statement after the game. The quarterback remained tight-lipped during a postgame interview on CBS, stating that he feels “OK” but leaving the door open for further testing to determine the extent of the injury.
Darnold’s remarkable performance on Sunday not only secured the Vikings’ victory but also propelled him to the top of the NFL leaderboard in touchdown passes. With the team now boasting a perfect 3-0 record, Darnold has etched his name in history as the first Vikings quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns in three consecutive wins to start a season.
The Vikings had already faced adversity earlier in the year when first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. With only Mullens and journeyman Brett Rypien as backups, Darnold’s health is paramount to the team’s success moving forward. The quarterback’s leadership and resilience will undoubtedly be tested as the season progresses, but for now, Darnold remains the beacon of hope for the Vikings as they aim to continue their winning streak.
