Vikings QB Sam Darnold has bruised knee and shouldn’t miss time, coach says

MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold suffered a knee bruise in Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans, head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned Monday.

It is excellent news for the Vikings and Darnold, who’s a “little sore” and may have “have a standard week of preparation” earlier than Sunday’s sport towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, O’Connell mentioned.

Vikings followers had been holding their breath when Darnold went down with an obvious harm after which left the sector. They exhaled when he returned after lacking only one play, but it surely was unclear how in depth the harm is.

Whereas Darnold completed the sport, each he and O’Connell indicated after the sport that additional testing was wanted.

“We’ll consider it, we’ll have a look at it, however felt ok to have the ability to return within the sport,” Darnold mentioned.

“He received rolled up slightly bit on the penalty there, sort of low on him. He checked out and got here again within the sport,” O’Connell mentioned. “We’ll undergo an analysis simply to rule something out, however was happy with Sam coming again within the sport and serving to take us down the sector.”

When requested Sunday whether or not his harm would maintain him from working towards this week or enjoying towards the Packers, Darnold mentioned, “I am undecided.”

Darnold’s harm got here late within the third quarter when former Viking Danielle Hunter hit him low. Hunter was flagged for roughing the passer on the play.

“Clearly [Hunter’s] a fantastic participant, and never a grimy participant in anyway,” Darnold mentioned after the sport.

Backup QB Nick Mullens got here in for a play whereas Darnold received his left knee examined. Then, Darnold jogged again onto the sector, buoyed by an ovation from the gang at U.S. Financial institution Stadium.

The followers’ response meant every little thing to me,” Darnold mentioned. “Not solely that, however my whole time right here in Minnesota has been wonderful with the followers.”

Darnold’s strong play has been a key a part of the Vikings’ 3-0 begin. In Sunday’s win, he threw 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He is first within the league in landing passes, second in passer ranking and fourth in adjusted internet yards per try and QBR.

The Vikings beforehand misplaced rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for the season. The 21-year-old tore his meniscus in his first preseason sport and was positioned on injured reserve after a profitable surgical procedure. Except for Mullens, the Vikings even have veteran Brett Rypien on the roster.

O’Connell additionally mentioned Monday that Jordan Addison, Dallas Turner and Ivan Tempo Jr. will all be day-to-day with their respective accidents, however they’re hoping to get them again earlier than the Packers sport.