Former Vikings defender almost obliterated Minnesota's 2024 season in Week 3

Midway through the third quarter of Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold dropped back to pass and tossed the ball to running back Aaron Jones for a nine-yard gain.

Shortly after throwing the ball, however, Darnold was tackled below his knees by Texans defensive end, a former Vikings pass rusher, Danielle Hunter. The former Minnesota defender drew a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty for the play, but his actions also resulted in a possible injury to Darnold.

What was a loud and rowdy bunch for most of the day, the crowd inside U.S. Bank Stadium grew very quiet as the veteran quarterback had to be helped off of the field by the Vikings training staff. Thankfully, Darnold only had to miss one play, and when he jogged back onto the field, Minnesota's fan base let out a collective "Phew."

Former Minnesota Vikings Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs fail to lead Houston Texans to win in Week 3

Leading up to Sunday's matchup in the Twin Cities, much was made about former Vikings Stefon Diggs and Hunter making their returns to Minnesota as opponents for the first time.

Diggs has faced the Vikings since the team traded him in 2020, but the contest didn't take place inside Minnesota's U.S. Bank Stadium.

On Sunday, Diggs did end up leading the Texans in receiving with 10 catches for 94 yards, and Hunter pitched in with two tackles (one for a loss) and two quarterback hits. But their performances weren't enough to prevent their old team from leaving the field with a 28-point win over Houston.

For the first time in their NFL careers, Diggs and Hunter got to feel what it was like to be on the losing end of a blowout victory inside of U.S. Bank Stadium. Safe to say, they probably didn't enjoy it.

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