Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced on Thursday that Sam Darnold will start for the team against the Raiders on Saturday in their preseason opener. It was a move that was expected after he was listed as the starter in the team’s initial depth chart that was released this week.

O’Connell also discussed that rookie J.J. McCarthy will receiver a significant amount of play time once they pull Darnold from the game. Jaren Hall will also receive some reps and veteran Nick Mullens will not play but will make appearances in the other two preseason games for the team.

The Vikings head coach also announced that Justin Jefferson and Harrison Smith won’t play in the game.

McCarthy having some significant reps speaks to the team’s plan this whole offseason not changing. They want Darnold to be the guy for them, and they want McCarthy to experience as much as he can while developing as a passer further.

Don’t be surprised to see some turnovers from the rookie, the team won’t be. Don’t read too much into anything positive or negative. This will be a major learning experience for the franchise’s future.