Daniel Jones could be promoted to QB2 for the Vikings against Rams

Daniel Jones could step in for Sam Darnold if the Vikings quarterback gets injured or has another poor performance when the postseason begins this weekend.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell left the door open for the former Giants quarterback to potentially jump to No. 2 on the depth chart for their wild-card round game against the Rams on Monday.

Nick Mullens was previously QB2 for the Vikings, but O’Connell told local reporters that Jones has made “progress” since being added to the active roster earlier this week, according to ESPN.

“He’s gotten a lot of really good work on both running scout teams and then some extra work here and there when he can with (quarterbacks coach Josh McCown) and Nick and Brett (Rypien),” O’Connell said. “The best way I can put it is: We’re doing everything we can to get Sam ready, but at the same time, all of these guys, whether it’s Nick, Daniel or Brett, have absorbed the game plan like they always have. The rest of the way here goes smoothly. We’re going to do whatever we think gives us the best chance of winning.”

O’Connell reiterated that the coaching staff would “do whatever it takes to give us the best chance to win here the rest of the way” as he pushed to name Jones to the backup position.

Jones signed with the Vikings’ practice squad shortly after being released by the Giants in November.

He spent his first five and a half years with the Giants, who selected him sixth overall in 2019.

Although Jones’ playoff experience was limited, he led the Giants to a win over the Vikings in the wild card round in 2022.

The opportunity comes after Jones was signed to the active roster earlier this week and Darnold – a former first-round pick of the Jets – had a difficult start to the Vikings’ season finale against the Lions.