Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after Monday night's loss to the Rams that quarterback Sam Darnold has a "special place in my heart" because of the way he played this season.

The Vikings general manager told reporters Thursday that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback while adding that J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training.

The NFL and Associated Press unveiled the finalists for year-end awards on Thursday, and among them are Kevin O'Connell for Coach of the Year, Brian Flores for Assistant Coach of the Year and Sam Darnold for Comeback Player of the Year.

Kevin O’Connell, Sam Darnold and Brian Flores could be heading to New Orleans, after all. The Vikings head coach, quarterback and defensive coordinator were among the 40 finalists named Thursday for eight of the league’s most prestigious awards,

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell defended quarterback Sam Darnold but made a blunt admission after a season-ending loss ot the Rams.

O'Connell seemed to speak about Darnold with an air of finality after the team's wild-card round loss vs. the Rams.

In the immediate aftermath of the Vikings’ shocking 27-9 upset loss to the Rams to close out wildcard weekend, Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell made it a point

Sam Darnold had a nightmare showing vs. the Rams under the brightest lights. Here's what his head coach had to say about it.

Darnold's future in Minnesota is very much in doubt after the Vikings were bounced by the Rams on wild-card weekend.

The Los Angeles Rams won 27-9 against the Vikings in the NFL wild-card round. The Rams’ defense recorded 7 sacks, tying a playoff record. Matthew Staf

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold may be a hot enough property come this offseason, that the Vikings may not be interested in his services anymor

In three seasons with the Vikings, the 39-year-old O’Connell is 34-17 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs.