Warner, 49ers are excited about Darnold's arm talent ahead of the Week 2 clash

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SANTA CLARA — The 49ers' defense will see a familiar sight when they face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

A year ago, Sam Darnold was the 49ers' No. 2 quarterback and was in charge of running the scout team's offense to prepare the team's defense for opponents each week in practice.

Darnold's tenure with the 49ers lasted only one season, as he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings at the start of NFL free agency in March.

“It's good to have Sam here,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He was a great guy. He's been that way everywhere he's gone. And we found that out here in person.

“But (I) always liked Sam before I got here. Just his talent level from college and what you saw in the NFL, and (it) was just as good as advertised. He's such a good athlete, so tough, can make any throw.”

Darnold's throwing ability stood out on the practice field, so there will be no surprises Sunday.

“With Sam, I've always been really impressed with the arm talent,” 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner said. “I mean, I don't know if I've ever seen a thrower in football as natural as him, able to make all the throws.

“Sure, he's the guy there now. He has a lot of confidence coming off a big win against the Giants on the road. So they'll be fired up to play at home, and we've got to be ready to go.”

Darnold served as the 49ers' backup to Brock Purdy last season. He started in Week 18 when the 49ers rested a good number of their regulars against the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold completed 16 of 26 attempts for 189 yards and a touchdown in a 21-20 loss.

Shanahan said he hopes the 49ers can keep Darnold as a backup for another season, but Darnold had a chance to become a starter with the Vikings after Kirk Cousins ​​left for the Atlanta Falcons.

Darnold's debut in Week 1 with the Vikings was successful. The Vikings completed their first 12 pass attempts of the game in a 28-6 victory over the New York Giants.

Darnold completed 19 of 25 pass attempts for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for a 113.2 passer rating.

“He's tough,” 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa said. “He can run a little bit. Since he's been here, I know what his arm strength is and how he's a good processor of information and getting the ball out.

“It would be the same formula: try to make them one-dimensional and go from there.”

The Vikings' top running back is former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who had 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in his first game with Minnesota.

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