Who is the Vikings’ backup quarterback? It could be Daniel Jones.

A few days after the Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones to the active roster, they left the door open for a possible move up the depth chart.

Notably, coach Kevin O’Connell did not commit to bringing in quarterback Nick Mullens as a replacement when the topic came up during his weekly press conference.

When asked if there was a possibility that Jones could be the Vikings’ backup ahead of their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell replied: “We’ll do whatever we think gives us the best chance gives victory.”

That was an interesting reaction considering Mullens has been the substitute in every game so far this season.

Jones signed with the Vikings on November 29, selecting them after the New York Giants granted him his release. He has spent time on the practice squad getting familiar with the offense while trying to rehabilitate his image.

“He’s definitely made progress,” O’Connell said. “He’s gotten a lot of really good work, looking like both a running scout and some extra work here and there.”

Meanwhile, the Vikings also signed quarterback Brett Rypien to the practice squad, an expected move after he cleared waivers.

“He’s someone who I think has done a phenomenal job,” O’Connell said. “We were really keen to get him back.”

The backdrop to this whole depth chart discussion is the fact that quarterback Sam Darnold struggled mightily last weekend as the Vikings suffered a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He completed just 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards and didn’t throw a touchdown.

Now it looks like Jones, not Mullens, could be just a stone’s throw away from being made a reality.

Darnold reacts positively

After the Vikings walked off the field against the Lions last weekend, Darnold immediately began turning the page.

How did he respond to some teaching points as he prepared for a playoff game for the first time in his career?

“I think Sam was great,” O’Connell said. “He’s off to a really good start this week.”

This has been a calling card for Darnold all season. No matter whether the Vikings won or lost, he is always the same.

“He has a level of mental toughness to be consistent with his routine,” O’Connell said. “There’s really nothing that Sam does differently than me.”

Taimani comes closer

After his practice window opened, rookie defensive tackle Taki Taimani was listed as a full participant in practice Thursday afternoon at the TCO Performance Center. That’s good news for the Vikings considering Taimani has been on injured reserve for the past few months with an ankle injury.

In order for Taimani to be activated before the playoff game against the Rams, the Vikings would have to make a corresponding move to secure a spot on the roster.

Meager

On the injury report, edge rusher Pat Jones II (knee) was the only player listed as a non-participant and running back Aaron Jones (quad) was the only player listed as a limited participant.