Vikings signal plans for QB room and it doesn’t look good for one player

Ahead of their preseason finale, the Minnesota Vikings unveiled their quarterback plans for the game, and it may not be good news for one player.

There is no controversy surrounding the Minnesota Vikings‘ starting quarterback job, as that belongs to Kirk Cousins. What is up for debate is who will be the backups on the roster by the time the 53-player roster cut-down deadline approaches. There is veteran Sean Mannion, 2021 third-round pick Kellen Mond, and recent trade acquisition Nick Mullens.

The Vikings may have tipped their hand regarding their quarterback plans for the upcoming season.

Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweeted out ahead of Minnesota’s preseason finale against the Denver Broncos that Mannion would start the first half, while Mond would play in the second half. Mullens is not playing, as he continues to learn the playbook.

Vikings may have revealed QB plans heading into season

Considering that Mullens is still learning the playbook, that means that he was brought in with the purpose of being his backup entering the season. Mond playing in the second half, where starters will not be playing, could be a sign that Mannion has the edge. Not to mention, as Tomasson points out, this is the second preseason game that Mannion will start.

We stress that it “could” be. That can obviously change if Mond impresses against the Broncos and if Mannion struggles. Or, who knows, maybe the Vikings don’t keep either Mond or Mannion on the initial Week 1 roster.

Mond was not selected by the new regime of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. As is the case with any new regime, they want to select their own players, no matter the position.

In the first preseason game, Mond completed 9-of-14 of his pass attempts for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Facing the San Francisco 49ers, Mond’s numbers were far from matching what he posted the week prior. He completed 50.0-percent of his passes (10-for-20) for 82 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, Mannion completed 8-of-12 pass attempts for 79 yards against the Raiders, and 10-of-15 pass attempts for 65 yards vs. the 49ers.

Vikings fans will get an answer as to who will make the roster on Tuesday, Aug. 30.