The Minnesota Vikings came away victorious against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. They raced out to an early lead, but nearly coughed it up late . A muffed punt was part of the problems, but there typical returner wasn’t available for the play either. That’s because Sam Darnold got him hurt.
Sam Darnold got Minnesota Vikings teammate Brandon Powell hurt
Kevin O’Connell has watched Sam Darnold play at an extremely high level to start the 2024 NFL regular season. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been some miscues. A poorly placed throw on Sunday left wide receiver Brandon Powell out to dry. He spent time in the medical tent for it.
Darnold was looking for his wide receiver over the middle. The timing was off and Quay Walker popped Brandon Powell sending him to the turf. He went to the medical tent and remained out of the game with a rib injury for a brief period of time. The wide receiver spoke about the play after the game to the Star Tribune.
“It’s a timing play. That’s his fault I got hurt, but it’s football. Not worried about it.”
Brandon Powell on the throw from San Darnold (Star Tribune)
The Vikings quarterback went up to his wide receiver following the play and addressed the throw. Powell also said that Darnold’s ability to bounce back after a bad play is exactly why the Vikings love him.
Brandon Powell shows importance for the Vikings
Not long after Powell exited the game, Green Bay was forced into a punt situation. With the traditional punt returner out of the game, Jalen Nailor was tasked with fielding the football. Nailor hasn’t returned a punt as a professional, and facing the sun, muffed the ball to set up the Packers.
Due to the miscue, Minnesota immediately had their backs against the wall. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty backed Green Bay up, but they found the end zone for the first time just before the half expired. Powell being unavailable for the special teams play was huge. He knows how important he is to the Vikings, but it’s the receiving corps as a whole that continues to get the job done.
This is very clearly a team that believes in, and supports on another. It takes that level of cohesion to continue to win in the NFL, and the Vikings are set up to keep things rolling.
