Report: Daniel Jones not active for Cardinals week 13 game
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones will not be active when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Jones was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad earlier this week following his release from the New York Giants on Nov. 22. Pelissero notes that the 27-year-old and his new team are viewing the addition as “a long-term play” to become familiar with his new surroundings.
“My understanding it might be another week, or two or three before [he is active],” Pelissero said on Sunday morning. “This is a long-term play by the Vikings that gives them optionality in the event that Sam Darnold does not return next season.”
The Vikings aren’t in a rush to get Jones on the field as Darnold is having a comeback season with 2,717 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading Minnesota to a 9-2 record. While Jones is currently viewed as an upgrade to backup quarterback Nick Mullens, Pelissero said the focus is for Jones to get into the gameplans, learn the language and the protections in the Vikings offense while also preparing to start in case something happens to Darnold.
“He’s spent extra time every day with [head coach] Kevin O’Connell, [assistant offensive coordinator] Grant Udinski and [quarterbacks coach] Josh McCown, just learning how they want him to play the position,” Pelissero said. “So there’s no rush in having Jones up as the No. 2 [quarterback] but if something were to happen to Darnold in the coming weeks, Jones very well could be starting. He’s preparing every day as if that’s a possibility.”
Jones is the latest lottery ticket in what could be a muddled quarterback situation after this season. Darnold is set to become a free agent and currently has a valuation of $34.5 million according to Over The Cap and J.J. McCarthy is a question mark as he recovers from a torn meniscus.
It lends an opportunity for Jones to revive his career after a failed stint with the New York Giants. Jones led the Giants to a playoff win over the Vikings in 2022 but went 3-13 as a starter over two seasons after signing a four-year, $160 million contract after the playoff win.
With Jones looking for a rebound, taking his time could have been a key reason why he signed with Minnesota and the Vikings are committed to Jones as a long-term project with potential benefits down the road.
