NFL Rumors: Vikings 'Optimistic' Sam Darnold Will Play vs. Packers Amid Knee Injury

Minnesota Vikings fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that quarterback Sam Darnold had an MRI on Monday for his knee and the results showed that he had "avoided anything structural" and that the team is "optimistic" that he will be available for Week 4.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network added that Darnold's injury was a "knee bruise."

Darnold suffered the injury during the Vikings' 34-7 win over the Houston Texans in Week 3. He did not show any signs of being impacted by an injury as he went 17-of-28 for 181 yards and four touchdowns and did not miss any snaps.

He is up to 657 passing yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions in the 2024 season and is looking like a potential MVP candidate as well as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. A significant injury would be devastating for a Minnesota team that has had a 3-0 start and is already missing 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the season.

He is currently listed as questionable but the optimism for his availability is a welcome sign. If he were to miss time, Nick Mullens would be next up on the depth chart.