There was, at minimum, a decent chance Darnold might not begin the 2024 season as the Vikings’ starter — that is, until rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury. There was an even slimmer chance Darnold would enjoy as much success as he has, starting the campaign by routinely lighting up defenses with a level of comfort previously unseen in his NFL career. Gone were the ghosts that once haunted him in New York, and in their place was a confidence that propelled Darnold to new heights. He descended some after a hot start, though, producing a couple of clunkers (14-of-31, one INT in a win over the Jets; 24-of-38, three INTs in a win over the Jaguars), leading some to wonder whether he’s playing on borrowed time. To Darnold’s credit, he’s steadied the ship of late, completing 42 of 66 passes for four touchdowns in Minnesota’s last two wins. But with McCarthy in line to return in 2025, we’re likely headed toward at least a consideration of a camp competition next summer — unless Darnold catches fire again down the stretch and leads the Vikings on a deep playoff run.