Sam Darnold Struggles at Vikings’ Night Practice

The Minnesota Vikings’ night practice that takes place once annually is usually the highlight practice for all of training camp. Tickets immediately sell out and is at the top of the list for fan entertainment. Unfortunately, before the night practice even began, head coach Kevin O’Connell delivered a discouraging announcement to the media.

Before the lights were turned on, O’Connell spoke to the media letting them know that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is dealing with “knee soreness” and would not practice. A message that sobered the hype of fans that were in attendance. Despite the injury, practice continued on with Sam Darnold getting all the reps as the starter, and it sounds like it didn’t go well.

Sam Darnold “wasn’t particular sharp” in Minnesota Vikings’ night practice

With Darnold handling all of the starting reps in Vikings’ night practice, it sounds like it wasn’t as many reps as one would think it would be. According to Will Ragatz (Sports Illustrated), in the limited snaps he got with the starting unit, Darnold was not particularly sharp.

“In a small sample size, Sam Darnold wasn't particularly sharp” in tonight’s @Vikings night practice, per @WillRagatz. pic.twitter.com/NqyrMGn70c

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 13, 2024

In a small sample size, Sam Darnold wasn’t particularly sharp. 

Will Ragatz (Sports Illustrated)

Ragatz noted the highlight of night practice was when Andrew Van Ginkel leapt and picked off Darnold from close range and returned it back for a touchdown. He also noted that a few plays before this, Darnold underthrew Johnny Mundt on a deep ball.

#Vikings QB Sam Darnold off to a rough start. Pick 6 by OLB Andrew Van Ginkel 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6yTtoeGExw

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 13, 2024

Sam Darnold QB1 to start the Minnesota Vikings’ season?

Darnold is still the odds on favorite to open the season as the week one starter. McCarthy has showed flashes of stardom, especially in the first preseason game, but still has an uphill battle to claim the starting quarterback position with only a few weeks left before the 2024 season officially begins. His most recent knee injury could complicate this timeline as well.

Despite a down practice on Monday night, Darnold performed fairly well in the limited series against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first preseason game. Darnold’s also been stringing several good practices together throughout training camp too.

Related: Nothing Will Deter Vikings from Starting Sam Darnold Week One

With the joint practices against the Cleveland Browns on the horizon, this will be a big test for Darnold and co. to see what they can do. The Browns have one of the best defenses in the NFL, so this will be an excellent test for the quarterback. Overall, it’s Darnold’s job to lose at this point, but this will be a cementing week on who will officially take over the QB 1 role.