In a thrilling matchup, the Vikings surged ahead of the Texans with a 21-7 lead, thanks to a remarkable connection between quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jalen Nailor in the end zone.
Following a nail-biting game, the Vikings breathed a collective sigh of relief upon learning that Darnold’s left knee injury was not as severe as initially feared. Medical tests revealed a bruise, but fortunately, no structural damage was detected. Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism that Darnold would be back to normal in time for the team’s upcoming Week 4 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite the initial scare, Darnold has been a standout performer this season, leading the Vikings to a 3-0 start and throwing a league-high eight touchdown passes. His impressive performance has earned him a top-five ranking in the NFL’s Total QBR, with a remarkable 73.1 rating.
The injury occurred during the third quarter of Sunday’s 34-7 victory over the Texans, when Darnold took a low hit from defensive end Danielle Hunter. Although he initially stood up, Darnold began limping and sat down on the field, prompting medical officials to evaluate him. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens briefly took over, but Darnold soon returned to the field, much to the delight of the home crowd.
While both Darnold and O’Connell acknowledged the potential severity of the injury, they were relieved by the test results. The team also received good news about receiver Justin Jefferson, who suffered a jammed finger on his right hand during the game. X-rays showed no break, and O’Connell expressed confidence that Jefferson would be back to full strength soon.
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