Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 6

Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not participating in the Vikings’ Monday night practice.

Coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy reported right knee soreness to the team’s medical staff.

Related players: Sam Darnold

McCarthy played 30 snaps in the preseason opener and went 11-of-17 for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He was scheduled to receive more snaps with the first-team offense this week, O’Connell said in the story. The team said they sat him out of precaution and also wanted to run more tests.

Falcons WR Rondale Moore, who was carted off from practice yesterday, suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Related Players: Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, KhaDarel Hodge

Moore had apparently been losing some snaps to McCloud through training camp, so this most likely pushes Ray-Ray into the starting lineup with Moore out for the year. Consistent targets for whoever steps up will be a very difficult task, with Drake London and Kyle Pitts (and Bijan Robinson) expected to take a massive chunk of the target share.

As the third week of camp nears an end, Sam Darnold has received all but two of the first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills. J.J. McCarthy got the other two. This should be no surprise to anyone who has listened to coach Kevin O'Connell talk about the position. While McCarthy is clearly the club's future quarterback, team leaders are in agreement that his ascension will not be rushed.

Any doubts that Darnold will start the season as QB1 seem to be out the window at this point. The Vikings do have a tough opening schedule, with the 49ers, Texans, Packers, and re-vamped Jets coming before their Week 6 Bye. McCarthy could be a play by the second half of the season, so we'll see how he looks for streaming purposes if/when that time comes.

Rondale Moore leaving the field on a cart with an inflatable cast on his right leg. Falcons teammates gathered around him before he left field and now gathered in prayer.

Related Players: Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, KhaDarel Hodge

Moore had apparently been losing some snaps to McCloud through training camp, so this most likely pushes Ray-Ray into the starting lineup if Moore ends up missing time. Regardless, neither slot guy is especially attractive for fantasy purposes, with Drake London and Kyle Pitts (and Bijan Robinson) expected to take a massive chunk of the target share.

Injury update: Testing on Seahawks QB Geno Smith’s knee and hip injuries did not reveal anything significant and, as one source said, “he shouldn’t miss any time.”

Related Players: Sam Howell

Smith is unlikely to hit the field today, so more upgrades on the situation are doubtful until next week. As it stands, Geno can still be targeted in 2QB/Superflex leagues and as a late-round option in best ball, while this news might make his ADP fall even further.

"Nothing against Elijah Mitchell, but Jordan Mason runs at a very high level." - 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on Mason earning reps at RB2 when Christian McCaffrey isn't in.

Related players: Isaac Guerendo

Guerendo is going to miss some time at camp and with the rookie out of action, it could mean the RB2 role ends up going to Mitchell or Mason. Mitchell struggles to stay healthy at times, but has excelled in the starting role before. It could just be coach-speak about Mason, but it's also worth paying attention to, especially if you're looking to handcuff McCaffrey this season.

WR Jacob Cowing (hamstring) will likely be out approx 10 days total

RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) will be out several weeks.

Related players: Elijah Mitchell, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Jordan Mason

It's always tough for rookies when they miss time in camp. Guerendo was said to be battling for the RB2 spot with the often-injured Mitchell. The Niners traded up to get Guerendo who was having a nice spring. Meanwhile at WR, the team got back Pearsall today but Cowing was trying to work his up with the depth chart as well.

QB Sam Darnold will take the majority of first-team snaps when camp opens, Kevin O'Connell reiterated.

Related players: J.J. McCarthy

Darnold was expected to be the bridge quarterback when the team signed him and also drafted McCarthy in the first round. McCarthy should also see first-team reps, but it seems like the Vikings are sticking with Darnold as the QB1 plan, at least early on in the season.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell announces T.J. Hockenson will be placed on the PUP list to start training camp.

Related players: Josh Oliver, Robert Tonyan

This comes as no surprise. However the Vikings say Hock is well ahead of schedule at this point. Hockenson is likely to be eased back into action when he does return later in the season, and will also be dealing with another new QB at the helm. As we point out, Hockenson will be just 7 months and 10 days out from his injury at the Week 1 mark.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the California Highway Patrol confirmed to NFL.com on Sunday.

Related Players: Justin Jefferson, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield

With the details still a little murky, it's hard to say if there will be any sort of suspension handed down from the league. Reportedly, Addison was found sleeping behind the wheel, blocking lanes of traffic. This would be the second legal issue the receiver has faced in as many offseasons. We'll keep an eye on this story as it develops.