Sam Darnold

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has largely worked behind presumptive starter Sam Darnold during the first three practices of the summer, said his focus is simply on learning and improving.

For now, though, Sam Darnold has taken hold of the offense

Observations from Minnesota's latest practice

During Minnesota Vikings training camp on Monday, head coach Kevin O Connell told reporters his thoughts on the quarterback situation for his team.

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Darnold has long been tabbed as the "bridge" quarterback for J.J. McCarthy, who the team took No. 9 overall in this year's draft. McCarthy is expected to rotate in with the starters at various times throughout camp, but the former Michigan Wolverine appears to be a long way from taking the mantle as the permanent starter. Darnold has thrown for 1,440 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions in the seven games he's appeared in over the last two years. The former No. 3 overall pick should serve as an adequate stopgap for the time being, but it would be surprising if he held off McCarthy beyond the midway point of the season.