A couple of days after the Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones to the active roster, they left the door open for him potentially moving up the depth chart.

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

Asked if there was a possibility that Jones could be the backup for the Vikings heading into the playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell replied, “We’re going to do whatever we think gives us the best chance to win.”

It was an interesting response given the fact that Mullens has been the backup in every game so far this season.

As for Jones, he signed with the Vikings on Nov. 29, picking them after being granted his release by the New York Giants. He has spent time on the practice squad learning the ropes of the offense while trying to repair his image.

“He definitely has progressed,” O’Connell said. “He’s gotten a lot of really good work in, both running scout team looks, and then 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 somebody that I think has done a phenomenal job,” O’Connell said. “We were really fired up to get him back.”

The backdrop of this whole conversation surrounding the depth chart is the fact that quarterback Sam Darnold struggled mightily last weekend when the Vikings suffered a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He only completed 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards and he did not throw a touchdown.

Now it appears that Jones, not Mullens, could be a snap away from being thrust into action.

Darnold responds positively

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

How has he responded to some teaching points while preparing for a playoff game for the first time in his career?

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

That’s been a calling card for Darnold throughout this season. No matter if the Vikings have won or lost, he’s always the same person.

“He’s got a level of mental toughness to be consistent about his routine,” O’Connell said. “There’s really nothing Sam’s doing differently from where I am.”

Taimani getting closer

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

In order for Taimani to be activated before the playoff game against the Rams, the Vikings would need to be a corresponding move to open up a spot on the roster.

Briefly

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.