Minnesota Vikings Injury Updates: Latest on Justin Jefferson and Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings made it three in a row on Sunday when they knocked off the Houston Texans. That doesn’t mean they came out unscathed and the reality is they will only go as far as they remain healthy. As we saw last season, their key parts being out for an extended period of time is not something any team can overcome.

Sam Darnold went down for the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings losing Sam Darnold to injury before the season started would have meant that rookie J.J. McCarthy was going to take over. That reality is non-existent now, and no one wants to see Nick Mullens play. Unfortunately that happened for a single play on Sunday as Danielle Hunter took down the Minnesota quarterback. Darnold returned to the game, but will still make sure he is in the clear.

“It’s good, and that’s as much as I’m gonna say about that.”

Sam Darnold on his knee (Pro Football Talk)

Legit chills from the ovation Sam Darnold got from the crowd after running back onto the field after his injury scare. pic.twitter.com/HhiCmvCcEm

— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) September 22, 2024

Darnold did confirm to Mike Florio that he would undergo an MRI on his knee just to make sure. After Darnold went down with his knee injury, he emerged from the medical tent and re-entered the game. The Vikings quarterback was unstoppable on Sunday and threw for four touchdowns.

Related: Sam Darnold, the MVP Favorite?

Despite C.J . Stroud coming in as the more hyped passer, it was the Minnesota signal caller that kept the momentum going. Without Jordan Addison for a second straight week, Sam Darnold absolutely balled out.

Vikings Justin Jefferson should be good to go

The Minnesota Vikings came into Week 3 without Jordan Addison at the wide receiver position. Justin Jefferson has been healthy to this point, but did suffer a quad injury against the San Francisco 49ers. It was another ailment this week, but he should be in the clear for Week 4.

Talking to the media, #Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said he jammed a finger on the catch he made over Derek Stingley Jr. in the first half.

X-Rays were negative though which is good. https://t.co/SJFJe0B7DQ pic.twitter.com/ICVpDQTE37

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 22, 2024

The jammed finger won’t cause Jefferson to miss any time, and there are no fractures either. The Texans attempted to keep Jefferson in check all day, but he found the end zone and hauled in six of his eight targets. Darnold has developed a quick rapport with his star wide out, and the results have been incredible.

Related: Official: Minnesota Vikings are the Real Deal

Minnesota heads out on the road next week against the Green Bay Packers. Last season Kirk Cousins suffered his achilles injury during the contest. The Vikings can improve to 4-0 and will want to head to London healthy.