Sam Darnold threw four touchdown passes to lead the Minnesota Vikings to victory last week over the Houston Texans.
But a knee bruise he sustained late in the third quarter of the Week 3 win led to a MRI on Monday morning and questions about his availability to lead the Vikings into Lambeau Field in Week 4.
Here’s the latest on Darnold’s status and what fantasy football managers should expect on Sunday.
Will Sam Darnold Play in Week 2 vs. the Green Bay Packers?
Monday’s MRI revealed the kind of news the Vikings were hoping to receive. While the team made no formal announcement, it was widely reported that Darnold suffered a knee bruise but no structural damage and that he was not expected to miss any time.
More positive signs emerged on Wednesday, as Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell made no mention of concern over Darnold’s knee while speaking with reporters.
Darnold, sporting a sleeve on his left leg, also met reporters on Wednesday at the team facility and explained his knee felt ‘pretty solid’ and that he was taking a day-by-day approach.
Sam Darnold wearing a sleeve on the left knee he injured Sunday. Says he is taking it one day at a time. pic.twitter.com/NldBiuupNw
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 25, 2024
The Vikings did not practice on Wednesday, opting instead to hold a walk-through session. Despite not practicing, the team will still be required to file an injury report, just as they will on Thursday and Friday. Darnold’s listed participation level on those reports will provide additional context clues as to the likelihood of him suiting up on Sunday.
Should You Start Sam Darnold in Fantasy Lineups?
There is reason to be bullish on Darnold from a fantasy perspective in Week 4.
Darnold leads the NFL in passing touchdowns with eight, compared to just two interceptions. He sports a passer rating of 117.3 and has been especially lethal against the blitz, where he has registered a perfect passer rating (158.3) on 14 dropbacks and 12 passing attempts. Darnold also leads the NFL in completions (14) and touchdowns (6) in the red zone.
Sam Darnold in the red zone this season:
🎯 88.2 passing grade (1st)
🎯 14 completions (1st)
🎯 6 TDs (1st)
🎯 0 turnover worthy plays pic.twitter.com/otkDVWsJfS— PFF (@PFF) September 25, 2024
Additionally, it’s expected his No. 2 receiver, Jordan Addison, has a good chance to return to action after injuring his ankle in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Addison led the Vikings in receiving touchdowns last season with 10.
Green Bay’s defense does pose an interesting challenge, however. They lead the NFL in interceptions with seven and are tied for fifth with 11 sacks.
When Did Sam Darnold Injure His Knee?
Darnold completed a pass to running back Aaron Jones late in the third quarter of the Vikings’ Week 3 win over the Houston Texans. After throwing the pass, Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter, who was blocked to the ground, made low contact with Darnold’s legs.
After initially getting up from the hit, Darnold went back to the ground and the Vikings’ medical staff examined his left leg on the field. Darnold was then ushered to the blue medical tent on the Vikings’ sideline where he was examined further. After missing just one snap, Darnold returned to the field to an ovation from the home crowd.
The Vikings went on to finish that drive with a field goal to extend their lead to 24-7. Darnold also led two more scoring drives in the fourth quarter, one that ended in a two-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Mundt and another that was salvaged by a Will Reichard 58-yard field goal. The touchdown pass to Mundt was the fourth of the game for Darnold.
Backup Nick Mullens came on in relief of Darnold for one snap – a kneel down – on the game’s final drive.