The Minnesota Vikings made big roster moves leading up to the NFL season, cutting 14 players, including backup quarterback Matt Corral. With the team's first-round draft pick, J.J. McCarthy sidelined for the season due to a torn right meniscus, all signs point to Sam Darnold taking over as the starting quarterback.
NFL insiders reported the Vikings ' final roster cuts after their last preseason game, which saw the departure of Corral, four offensive linemen, two running backs, and several other players. ESPN currently lists Darnold as the Vikings QB1 following McCarthy's injury.
Other players cut include running back Mo Ibrahim, and veteran cornerback A.J. Green III, as well as DeWayne McBride, Justin Hall, Neal Johnson, Sammis Reyes, Chuck Filiaga, Doug Nester, Matt Cindric, Spencer Rolland, Tyler Manoa, Porter, and Jaylin Williams as the harsh reality of roster cuts sees numerous players let go.
McCarthy electrified during his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders , leading the Vikings to a narrow 24-23 victory. He passed for 188 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, both of his touchdown passes coming in the third quarter. The first was a 45-yard pass to Trishton Jackson on a quick four-play drive, followed by a 33-yard strike to Trent Sherfield, which gave Minnesota a 21-20 lead. McCarthy's season was cut short due to a knee injury in the game.
The injury was initially reported as knee soreness but was later confirmed to require season-ending surgery. He was forced to sit out the remainder of the preseason after putting pressure on Darnold to earn the starting role on Sept. 8 against the New York Giants.
Before McCarthy's injury, Darnold was already listed ahead of him on the depth chart. The Vikings tested several quarterbacks during the preseason, including Corral, Jaren Hall, and Nick Mullens, maintaining a 3-0 record.
Darnold was initially signed to replace Kirk Cousins after he left the franchise for the Atlanta Falcons. The 27-year-old QB signed a one-year deal worth $10 million and has played for four NFL teams in six seasons. Team superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson spoke to the media about his with Darnold on the field. "I feel like we both have that communication with each other," Jefferson said.
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"Having that communication builds so much chemistry," he continued. "It's good to give somebody a compliment on the slightest good plays." Once officially joining the organization, Darnold expressed his excitement about playing in Minnesota . At a press conference, he addressed the media as the team announced its new roster additions, including running back Aaron Jones.
"I've gotta mention the fan base — very excited to be able to come in here with that fan base," said Darnold. "Being on the Niners last year, coming in here, Monday Night Football, just seeing how electric that stadium was, was pretty exciting and you know, that's just another reason why I'm very pumped to be here."
When asked about being traded so much in his career, he said, "And if you're not consistent with your attitude day in and day out, you can get chewed up and spit out quick. The biggest thing that I've learned is to stay consistent every single day, and that's really all I'm looking to bring here."
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