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Is Sam Darnold Hurt or Healthy? Fantasy Football Injury Update

Sam Darnold - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (knee) is off to a blazing start in 2024. Darnold has led the Vikings to 3-0, blowing out the New York Giants and upsetting the San Francisco 49ers before shocking the NFL world with a 34-7 blowout victory against the Houston Texans.

Darnold has fit right in to head coach Kevin O'Connell's system and played sound fundamental football. While he hasn't been perfect, the good results are undeniable so far.

However, Darnold missed one play on Sunday after taking a hit to the legs from a Houston defender. Is Sam Darnold still hurt, or is he healthy now? Will he play in Week 4? Let's dive in.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Sam Darnold Injury Update for Fantasy Football

Darnold was injured when he was hit low from behind by Texans defender Danielle Hunter. Hunter wrapped around Darnold's legs and pinned Darnold's left foot under his body, leading to the leg being bent at an awkward angle as Darnold fell to the ground.

Darnold was clearly in pain after the hit, and ended up leaving the game for one play, but returned the next play and appeared to at least be able to jog onto the field, which is a tentative good sign. Darnold finished the game, and though that doesn't mean he's in the clear, it's cause for cautious optimism.

The full extent of Darnold's injury is not yet known. He is set to have an MRI done on his left knee to determine the extent of the damage. Darnold fantasy managers will need to check back for updates as they come in. Darnold led the Vikings to three more scores on the next three drives after his injury.

 

Sam Darnold Fantasy Football Outlook

Darnold is the latest in a line of solid quarterbacks who were held back by terrible coaching, bad offenses, and organizational disarray through the early part of their careers. Darnold previously played for the Jets and Panthers, who never committed to building good teams around him.

This is no longer the case. The Minnesota Vikings are a well-run organization, and head coach Kevin O'Connell has had great success developing quarterbacks. He helped Kirk Cousins author a pair of excellent seasons in 2022 and 2023 and appears to be doing the same with Darnold.

Darnold is playing the best football of his career. After his four-touchdown beatdown of the Texans, Darnold is a must-start fantasy quarterback when he is healthy. He's in an elite offensive system with a great head coach in a stable organization. He also has a great array of weapons.

Darnold has one of the best pass-protecting offensive lines in the NFL, elite wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and receivers Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor (an emerging contributor), with elite tight end T.J. Hockenson returning later this season. RB Aaron Jones helps, too. Don't leave a healthy Darnold out of your starting lineups.



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