Insider explains Vikings' Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy depth chart decisions

Some eyebrows were raised when the Minnesota Vikings' first unofficial depth chart, released on Tuesday, designated rookie J.J. McCarthy or journeyman Nick Mullens as the club's primary backup quarterback behind veteran Sam Darnold.

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared why McCarthy seemingly isn't close to facing a live defense in a meaningful game at this stage of his development.

"McCarthy, unsurprisingly, has shown himself a fast study," Breer explained. "The accuracy and arm the Vikings saw on tape are there, as are the intangibles — his work ethic in particular. That said, Minnesota is still working through his fundamentals and footwork in accordance with their scheme, and that, again, as expected, is taking some time."

While Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell surprised some when he said last week that McCarthy would get "some reps" with the first-team offense this month, most still expect Darnold to remain the club's QB1 through the start of its Week 1 game at the New York Giants on Sept. 8. Tuesday's development serves as the latest reminder that O'Connell won't rush McCarthy into regular-season action simply because Minnesota made the former Michigan Wolverines star the 10th overall pick of this year's draft.

"Minnesota’s been pretty committed to its plan to bring McCarthy along step by step, with Sam Darnold still taking the majority of first-team reps (and showing the arm talent of a former third overall pick) and giving them the flexibility to sit the rookie if that’s what’s best," Breer continued. "Also big for McCarthy’s development (and Darnold’s, too)? Getting to face (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores' varied defensive scheme in practice every day."

As of early Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Darnold as the heavy betting favorite at -600 odds to start over McCarthy (+400) at the Giants. The Vikings will play only five games until their Week 6 bye, however, so Darnold may need to win a minimum of two of his first five starts to stay atop the club's depth chart through the Week 7 contest versus the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20.

With that said, it sounds like Mullens and not McCarthy could be O'Connell's first option to replace Darnold if such a decision needs to be made before Halloween.