Sam Darnold, not CJ Stroud, dominated at US Bank Stadium on Sunday, throwing four touchdowns to help the Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans, 34-7. The veteran quarterback didn’t escape Week 3’s big win unscathed, however, as he underwent an MRI for a knee injury on Monday, according to NBC Sports.
The good news: Everything looks good with the knee, as an MRI revealed that Darnold is dealing with a bone bruise and no structural damage, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. That means Darnold should be good to go when the Vikings visit the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Darnold was sidelined for a single play late in Sunday’s win after former Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter wrapped her legs on a sack attempt. Hunter was flagged for roughing the passer, and Darnold initially tried to leave under his own power before sitting down in pain. He eventually made his way to the sidelines on his own, then returned to finish the game after backup Nick Mullens took one snap under center.
“It’s fine,” Darnold told Mike Florio about his knee Sunday night, “and that’s all I’m going to say about it.”
The quarterback also said on CBS’ postgame broadcast that he felt “Good” to be back from the injury.
His four touchdowns Sunday gave him the NFL lead in scoring passes, and keep Minnesota atop the league standings at 3-0. He also became the first Vikings quarterback in franchise history to throw multiple touchdowns in three straight wins to start a season.
The Vikings, of course, have already lost first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy, who was competing with Darnold for the top job this summer, to a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. In addition to Mullens, they also have journeyman reserve Brett Rypien under contract at the position.
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