(Eagan) Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has a bruised left knee following a late, low hit that forced him to miss a play Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Published at 4:51 p.m.
Dave Campbell
Associated Press
This is encouraging news for the Vikings, who learned that an MRI scan revealed no structural damage.
Darnold was injured when defensive end Danielle Hunter took him to the ground after the Vikings point guard completed a pass late in the third quarter. The Vikings won 34-7 for their third win in as many games this season.
Darnold is not expected to miss any practice or game. The Vikings’ next game is Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, their big rivals in the National Football League North.
“It’s a little sore, but we’re hoping Sam can have a normal week of preparation,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday.
Hunter, who made four Pro Bowl appearances in eight seasons with the Vikings, was penalized for roughing the quarterback on that play. Although the home crowd booed the play, the Vikings players weren’t upset.
“We know he’s a great player, and he’s not a bad player,” Darnold said after the game.
Against the Texans, Darnold completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards. He threw four touchdowns and committed no turnovers. He leads the NFL with eight touchdown passes this season.
With rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy out the entire season with a torn meniscus in his right knee, Nick Mullens is the Vikings’ No. 1 backup at quarterback.
On Sunday, the Vikings played the Texans without three regular players: wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle), who missed a second straight game, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (quadriceps, ankle) and outside linebacker Dallas Turner (knee).
O’Connell indicated that all three players could be available for Sunday’s game at Green Bay.
