EAGAN, Minn. — Quarterback Sam Darnold was selected as one of the eight captains for the Minnesota Vikings this season.
The former No. 3 overall pick was signed in the offseason to replace longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins, and will now officially take over Cousins' leadership duties as well.
Justin Jefferson, C.J. Ham, Josh Metellus, Brian O'Neill, Harrison Phillips, Harrison Smith and Andrew DePaola were named the other captains.
The Vikings also released their first unofficial depth chart for their Week 1 matchup with the New York Giants, where there were no real surprises on either side of the ball.
Darnold will lead the team at quarterback with Nick Mullens serving as his backup, newly acquired QB Brett Rypien will be the team's third option.
The running back position is still thin with just Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler currently on the active roster, but there are still two backs on the practice squad — Myles Gaskin and Zavier Scott — who could be called up at a moment's notice.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will be the starting receivers, with Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell serving as their primary backups. Nailor is a player to watch as the team's third receiver option after K.J. Osborn signed with the New England Patriots in the offseason.
Blake Brandel is the only new starter on the offensive line after spending much of his career as a backup. He previously filled in for left tackle Christian Darrisaw, but his versatility allowed the team to swing him inside at guard.
There are plenty of fresh faces on defense, starting with three two new pass rushers in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Both were signed in the offseason after former All-Pro Danielle Hunter signed with the Houston Texans. Jerry Tillery will also be a new addition to the defensive line, while Minnesota native Blake Cashman takes over at one of the inside linebacker spots. First round pick Dallas Turner is listed as Van Ginkel's backup, but don't be surprised to see him in a few formations throughout the game.
Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore was the biggest acquisition in the secondary, so it's no surprise he'll immediately fill one of the two starting cornerback slots.
Rookie Will Reichard will be the Vikings' new kicker this season after the team cut ties with Greg Joseph following a season where he connected on just 80% of his field goal attempts.
Ty Chandler will return kicks in the league's new dynamic kickoff, which was implemented to encourage more returns throughout the game.
The new rule brings touchbacks out to the 30-yard line and forces kickers to land the kickoff in the designated landing zone (20-yard line to the goal line). If the kickoff doesn't reach the 20, the ball will be placed at the 40-yard line.
Kickoff formations will also be different. The kicker will continue to kickoff from the 35-yard line, but the other players on the kicking team will line up on the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving team will line up between their own 35 and 30-yard line, with at least seven players having a foot on the 35. Players on both sides will be forced to wait until the ball is either caught by the returner or hits the ground before they can start running.
The new kickoff had mixed reviews throughout the preseason, but it will certainly be something to watch as team's continue to get acclimated with the new rules.
Vikings Week 1 Depth Chart
Offense
Quarterback: Sam Darnold; Nick Mullens, Brett Rypien
Running back: Aaron Jones; Ty Chandler
Fullback: C.J. Ham
Wide receiver: Justin Jefferson; Jalen Nailor, Trishton Jackson
Wide receiver: Jordan Addison; Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield Sr.
Tight end: Josh Oliver; Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse
Left tackle: Christian Darrisaw; Walter Rouse
Left guard: Blake Brandel; Michael Jurgens
Center: Garrett Bradbury; Dan Feeney
Right guard: Ed Ingram
Right tackle: Brian O’Neill; David Quessenberry
Defense
Outside linebacker: Jonathan Greenard; Pat Jones II
Nose tackle: Harrison Phillips; Taki Taimani
Left end: Jerry Tillery; Levi Drake Rodriguez
Right end: Jonathan Bullard; Jalen Redmond
Outside linebacker: Andrew Van Ginkel; Dallas Turner, Jihad Ward
Inside linebacker: Ivan Pace Jr.; Brian Asamoah II
Inside linebacker: Blake Cashman; Kamu Grugier-Hill
Cornerback: Stephon Gilmore; Akayleb Evans, Fabian Moreau
Cornerback: Byron Murphy Jr.; Shaquill Griffin; Dwight McGlothern
Safety: Harrison Smith; Josh Metellus, Jay Ward
Safety: Camryn Bynum; Theo Jackson
Special Teams
Kicker: Will Reichard
Punter: Ryan Wright
Long snapper: Andrew DePaola
Kick returner: Ty Chandler; Brandon Powell
Punt returner: Brandon Powell; Jalen Nailor