There’s no doubt that Sam Darnold will be the starter for the Vikings heading into their wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.

Who will be the backup?

Though it will almost certainly be Nick Mullens, the question is at least worth asking after the Vikings signed Daniel Jones to the active roster. He had been on the practice squad since signing with the Vikings a couple of months ago after being released by the New York Giants.

Even if Mullens remains as the backup, the decision to sign Jones to the active roster is not insignificant. It puts the Vikings in position to get a compensatory pick if Jones ends up signing elsewhere this offseason.

In a corresponding move, the Vikings waived Brett Rypien. If he clears waivers, the Vikings likely will sign him to practice squad.

-- Dane Mizutani

Good Lions news

Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, guard Kevin Zeitler and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor left the game against Minnesota and coach Dan Campbell hopes they can take advantage of the team earning a bye in the NFL playoffs.

The injury news was positive for Arnold and Zeitler on Tuesday.

“I can’t guarantee that they’re playing, but it’s much better than it appeared to be when the injuries happened. It’s positive news,’’ Campbell said on Tuesday. “O’Connor is not as positive.”

Arnold left the game in the third quarter with a foot injury and X-rays immediately after the game were negative. He was wearing a walking boot on his right foot in the locker room afterward. Zeitler pulled a hamstring on the final possession of the game.

O’Connor, who has had a bigger role in the absence of Alim McNeill, injured his calf.

Campbell expects running back David Montgomery to return for the playoff game. He injured his knee in Week 15. Originally it was thought to be a season-ending injury, but he’s made progress with physical therapy.

Miami strife

The Miami Dolphins don’t appear to have any immediate plans to trade Tyreek Hill, but culture changes could be on the horizon after behind-the-scenes issues such as player tardiness contributed to a disappointing 2024 season.

Hill met with general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel separately on Monday, a day after the star receiver indicated he might want out of Miami following a loss to the New York Jets, which punctuated a losing season in which the Dolphins missed the playoffs.

Grier said Hill did not retract his postgame statements saying he enjoyed playing in Miami but “at the end of the day, I’ve got to do what’s best for my career.” But Hill did not ask Grier for a trade, the GM said at his end-of-season news conference Tuesday.

Briefly

49ers >> San Francisco fired defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen after just one disappointing season, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press.

Chargers >> Ezekiel Elliott was on the practice field for the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday, after the veteran running back was signed to the practice squad. Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31 so that he could possibly sign with a playoff team seeking an experienced running back.