in Week 18, taking on the Lions for the NFC North crown, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. It’s arguably the most important regular season game in franchise history.

And in all likelihood, quarterback Daniel Jones will be elevated to the active roster for the event.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted Monday, six days before Lions-Vikings: “Kevin O’Connell said the Vikings will discuss whether to add QB Daniel Jones to the 53-man roster this week, which would put him into their compensatory pick formula if he signs elsewhere in free agency. O’Connell said coaches haven’t talked about how that might impact QB depth.”

Seifert also added, “O’Connell said Jones has been ‘phenomenal’ in practice and meetings and added that he’s even more excited about having him here than he was when he first signed.”

Pelissero explained four weeks ago, “It might be another week, or two, or three before Minnesota adds Jones to the active roster. This is a long-term play by the Vikings. It gives them optionality in the event that Sam Darnold does not return next season.”

Football The Brian Flores Rumor Mill Intensifies

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.