Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is focusing on one stat in particular as he and his teammates prepare to visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. No, it’s not about passing yards or touchdowns. These aren’t even wins or winning percentages. What does Darnold think heading into Sunday’s kickoff? Turnovers – as if to limit them, especially after throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble last week. “At the end of the day, I have to make smarter decisions,” Darnold said. “I just have to continue to use my eyes and my feet, follow my progressions and continue to trust it.” Despite a few bumps along the way, Darnold has led Minnesota (6-2) to a strong start to the season as it heads to Jacksonville (2-7). The Vikings are coming off a 21-13 home win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night and have outscored their opponents by 59 points in 2024. In comparison, Jacksonville is looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses to the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia . Eagles over the past two weeks. The Jaguars have a minus-57 point differential and sit in last place in the AFC South heading into Week 10. An injury to Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence adds even more uncertainty to a team desperate for a mid-season turnaround. Lawrence injured his non-throwing shoulder, was limited in practice throughout the week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Jacksonville signed veteran quarterback CJ Beathard as insurance for Lawrence. Beathard spent the offseason with Jacksonville and knows the playbook. If Lawrence can’t go, Mac Jones would likely start and Beathard would serve as the backup. “From our perspective, we felt like we had a really good quarterback room with all three guys,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. “CJ got hurt in camp and we had to let him go and all that, but we definitely wanted to get him back here at some point. “I think it just strengthens our roster, strengthens this room. Trevor is in pain, obviously, and that gives us confidence. “When I’ve been banged up in the past, I just try to do everything I can during the week to get ready to play on Sunday and put in as much time as possible and be healthy. That’s how it is what I’m thinking right now.” Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and fellow receivers Gabe Davis (shoulder) and Devin Duvernay (hamstring) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. The Vikings are also struggling. with injuries, although At less heralded positions, Minnesota signed kicker John Parker Romo this week to replace injured rookie Will Reichard, 27, earned a tryout this week at Vikings practice. went down with a strained right quadriceps, Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola will also miss the game after undergoing surgery on his right hand. Minnesota veteran Jake McQuaide took DePaola’s place for the Jaguars. and the Vikings have played seven times. the all-time series 6-1, including a 27-24 overtime victory in the last game between the teams on December 6, 2020. Jacksonville is 2-2 at home this season, Minnesota has a record 2-1 on the road – Field Level Media.
