NFL Exec: Vikings 'F--ked' If Sam Darnold Gets Injured and Nick Mullens Is QB1

If Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is forced to miss time with a knee injury, one executive isn't optimistic about the team moving forward with backup Nick Mullens under center.

"If something happens there, I think they are f--ked," the executive said, via The Athletic's Mike Sando. "You can't win with Nick Mullens. Kevin O'Connell proved last year he can do better than expected with some of those guys, but when you are down to quarterback three, you are in trouble."

Darnold briefly exited the Vikings' 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday due to knee issues, missing one play in the third quarter before returning. The 27-year-old will have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

If he's unable to suit up in Week 4, Mullens could start. The Vikings would be down to their third-string quarterback, as rookie J.J. McCarthy previously underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Per Sando, Minnesota "presumably would be in the market" to acquire another passer if Darnold misses significant time.

The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft has excelled in his first season with the organization, helping the Vikings jump out to a 3-0 record. Darnold completed 67.9 percent of his throws for 657 yards through three weeks, with his eight touchdown passes representing the most in the NFL.

He consistently led Minnesota on scoring drives against Houston on Sunday, finishing 17-of-28 for 181 yards and four touchdowns against zero interceptions.

While Mullens has 28 games under his belt and played with the Vikings in 2023, their offense likely won't be the same with him starting. The 29-year-old has a record of just 5-15 in 20 career starts, including 0-3 with Minnesota last season.

If Darnold's knee injury is serious, the Vikings could take a look at external options to replace him.