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’s set to undergo an MRI for a knee injury, according to NBC Sports.
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 was similarly cryptic when appearing on CBS’ postgame broadcast, indicating he felt “Fine” while noting that “we’ll see” what further tests can reveal about 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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