Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold has a bruised left knee after a late low hit that kept him out for one play. The Vikings, who are still undefeated, are relieved that an MRI showed there is no serious damage.
Darnold got hurt when Houston defensive end Danielle Hunter took him down after a pass late in the third quarter during Minnesota’s 34-7 win. Darnold is on a three-game winning streak, marking his first as a starter since Carolina started 3-0 with him in 2021. He is not expected to miss any practice or games.
“A little sore, but hoping Sam can have a normal week of preparation as we go through it,” coach Kevin O’Connell said on Monday.
Hunter, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings, was penalized for roughing the passer during the play. Even though the home crowd booed, the Vikings were not upset about it.
“Obviously he’s a great player and not a dirty player whatsoever,” Darnold said after the game.
With rookie J.J. McCarthy out for the season due to knee surgery for a torn meniscus, Nick Mullens is now the main backup to Darnold. In the game against the Texans, Darnold completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards, four touchdowns, and no turnovers, leading the NFL with eight touchdown passes.
The Vikings played on Sunday without three regular players: wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) for the second straight game, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quadriceps, ankle), and outside linebacker Dallas Turner (knee). O’Connell mentioned that all three might be cleared to play this week against Green Bay.
