EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates his return to the NFL starting lineup 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 play started with receiver Justin Jefferson in the backfield, and he later moved to the flat. With the Giants focused on Jefferson, Darnold faked to him and then found Nailor wide open along the right sideline. In the second quarter, Darnold threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson on fourth down.

Came out of the blocks strongly in the second half.@jalennailor

📺: @NFLonFOX photo.twitter.com/W1Rznq8oEj

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 8, 2024

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

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 two scores.