EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates his return to the NFL starting lineup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Darnold’s latest: a 21-yard dart to receiver Jalen Nailor for his second touchdown pass of the game, giving the Vikings a 21-3 lead over the New York Giants early in the third quarter.

The game started with receiver Justin Jefferson in the backfield, who later waved into the flat. With the Giants focused on Jefferson, Darnold feinted him and then found Nailor completely free on the right sideline. In the second quarter, Darnold had thrown a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson on fourth down.

Came out with momentum in the 2nd half.@jalennailor

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/W1Rznq8oEj

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) 8 September 2024

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, signed a one-year deal with the Vikings after playing as the San Francisco 49ers’ backup last season. Originally signed as a short-term starter, he took over for the season when rookie JJ McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.

On Sunday, Darnold completed his first 12 passes of the game – his longest streak to start a game – and then 15 of his first 17 passes for 181 yards and the two scores.