Kevin O’Connell Refuses to Reveal Which Vikings QBs Will be Active vs Rams

When the Minnesota Vikings take the field against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, they will do so with a new quarterback on their roster. Sean McVay can plan for Sam Darnold under center, but he won’t know who else may take snaps for Kevin O’Connell, if any.

Daniel Jones provides mystery for Minnesota Vikings

Weeks ago, after the New York Giants waived him, Daniel Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Now he is on the active roster, and his status for a Wild Card Weekend playoff game remains up in the air.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on Daniel Jones’ role after being signed to the active roster:

“Daniel Jones will be one of the quarterbacks on the roster. I made that very apparent the other day.”

We see that smirk coach. Could we see some designed packages with Jones 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZZeu12AnF0

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 11, 2025

Kevin O’Connell didn’t tip his hand on whether Daniel Jones will be the No. 2 QB on Monday night. If the #Vikings use Jones in the playoffs, O’Connell said, “That very easily could be something that may look different here and there.” Could be some tricks up the coach’s sleeve.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 11, 2025

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The depth chart this season has seen Nick Mullens operate as Darnold’s backup each game. Brett Rypien has often been inactive, but was the third quarterback prior to being waived this week.

Minnesota now officially lists Jones as the third quarterback, but there is a much better chance he sees the field than Mullens on Monday. Darnold isn’t going to cede starting reps, but there could be opportunity for the former Giants starter to impact the contest.

There is no denying how bad the Vikings have looked close to the goal line, especially recently. The internal offensive line gets no push and that left plenty of points on the board against the Detroit Lions.

It’s possible that’s where Daniel Jones helps out. He’s a monster under center and has two rushing touchdowns in 10 games this season. Just two years ago Jones churned out 120 rushing attempts and seven touchdowns for New York. If he wants to get in the box score, that’s where head coach Kevin O’Connell probably could use him.

Ultimately, the Vikings need to devise a more effective game plan than what they exhibited in their first match against Los Angeles. This responsibility falls on Kevin O’Connell, but having Jones at his disposal might allow him to introduce some new strategies.

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