EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a left knee bruise on Sunday and is expected to play on Sept. 29 against the Green Bay Packers.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell provided the update during a press conference Monday afternoon after Darnold received "extensive evaluations" earlier in the day.
"A little sore," O'Connell said. "But hoping that Sam can have a normal week of preparation as we go through it."
Darnold was hit low during Sunday's 34-7 win over the Houston Texans. He left the game briefly, but returned to a thunderous ovation from the home crowd fans at U.S. Bank Stadium. He quickly led the Vikings down the field for a field goal to help preserve the win.
"I was holding the call sheet, so I couldn't clap like everyone else did, but I would have when he came running back in the game," O'Connell said. "And then, just to get the good news today, we're moving forward. Sam is in a great spot, gonna have another good week of prep and keep stacking good performances."
Darnold has been brilliant through three games, not only leading the Vikings to a 3-0 record but also pacing the NFL in passing touchdowns (8) despite missing two major offensive weapons in receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Addison has been sidelined the past two games after injuring his ankle in the season opener against the New York Giants while Hockenson remains on the IR as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL last December.
The Vikings take the field against NFC North rival Green Bay on Sunday, so having Darnold is a massive boost for Minnesota if it wants to maintain its spot atop the NFC North.
