The Vikings arrived in London with more momentum than just about any team in the NFL after a 4-0 start to the season, but they nearly lived out their nightmare scenario in the first quarter.
Quarterback Sam Darnold went to the turf after taking a hard shot from Chazz Surratt, interrupting a solid start to the day for Minnesota's offense. Nick Mullens came in to the game and immediately converted a 3rd down, but concern was with Darnold after such a dominant start to his season.
Sunday's matchup was already billed as a revenge game for Darnold, who spent the first three years of his career with the Jets, though he took responsibility for his struggles in New York when talking to reporters earlier in the week. Still, beating the Jets would be an important milestone in what's certainly been an epic breakout season from the former No. 3 overall pick.
Here are the latest updates on Darnold's status after he was forced out of the game in London.
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Sam Darnold injury update
Darnold took a hard shot to the ribs from Jets LB Chazz Surratt on an incompletion during the first quarter on Sunday and went down in a heap.
The Vikings QB stayed down for a couple minutes as trainers came out to take a look at him, but he was able to walk off under his own power and only missed one snap. Mullens entered in place of Darnold.
Vikings QB Sam Darnold went down on the field after taking a hit by Chazz Surratt.
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 6, 2024
He's back up and walking off of the field. pic.twitter.com/OIAxhWdbEi
Darnold's return to the field went awry for the Vikings, as his pitch to Ty Chandler was dropped and recovered by the Jets, but it was a relief for Minnesota fans to see their quarterback back on the field. Darnold appeared to be in serious pain after the hit by Surratt. Mullens has a career 5-15 record and more interceptions than touchdowns over his career, and would represent a significant downgrade over Darnold if pushing into a starring role.
The Vikings took an early lead over the Jets, but they will have to hope the hit to the chest was just a temporary setback for Darnold, and not something that will bother him throughout the rest of the game against his former team.
