Tai Felton has had an unbelievable start to camp. Will be must watch TV against the Giants on Saturday.

📸: Emma Crouch pic.twitter.com/uZqrq1rMjo

— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) August 14, 2026

Which Vikings players have the most to gain — and lose — Saturday against the Giants?

I chose 11… https://t.co/Ayc2Ij9R2j

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 14, 2026

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings’ starting quarterback announcement shifts the attention to the rest of the roster, appropriate considering the team is approaching its first preseason game.

On Friday, the Vikings will fly to Newark, N.J., ahead of a Saturday matchup with the New York Giants. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said earlier this week that most starters would play. This declaration adds intrigue.

Which players have the most to gain — and lose — Saturday? Here is a comprehensive breakdown of 11 of them:

J.J. McCarthy, QB

Defenses rarely dip into their complex schemes during the preseason. This makes it hard to evaluate quarterbacks, but you can still take clues from the smoothness of the operation and consistency with decision-making. McCarthy has a nice opportunity here. In front of cameras and a stadium stocked with fans, he will receive space to show growth.

Accuracy remains the foremost priority. From there, Vikings staff will monitor his speed in getting through progressions. Playing behind some of the backup offensive linemen may force him to make quick decisions. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for someone who has played only 10 meaningful games since he left Michigan.

Jacob Thomas, S

If you are searching for a sneaky young player to find his way to the back end of the 53-man roster, Thomas fits. Multiple NFL teams sought his services this spring in undrafted free agency. He starred as a strong safety at James Madison. As a senior, he captained a team that won the program’s first Sun Belt Conference title and made the College Football Playoff.

Thomas has taken snaps with the backups in training camp. He has also spent a noticeable amount of time with special teams. Make plays Saturday, and he will further stamp his case to add another promising youngster to a deep group of safeties.

Domonique Orange, DT

All the quarterback attention delayed focus on the team’s two highly drafted interior defenders, Caleb Banks and Orange. Both are integral to the Vikings’ defense remaining menacing. It’s not that former defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen performed well in 2025. Nor is it the case that Minnesota cannot rely on interior defenders Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez.

This becomes more a ceiling conversation than anything else. The quicker Banks and Orange progress under the tutelage of respected defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, the more chaos the Vikings’ defense can create. Orange has shown flashes in the first two weeks of camp. Preseason production would further validate his potential as a rookie.

Jamal Adams, S/LB

Any time the Vikings infuse the roster with a versatile defender, it’s worth eyeing. Adams already switched numbers from 54 to 32, allowing him to line up at safety and all over the field. In practice, he’s blitzed effectively. Other times, he began far from the line of scrimmage as a deep safety and floated to the football.

Where he plays is as interesting as how he plays. The 2017 No. 6 draft pick hasn’t started more than 10 games in a season since 2021. He is now almost four years removed from a torn left quad. It will be fascinating to see if he still has the spark in live games.

Johnny Hekker, P

Special teams tend to take a back seat, but the unit matters. In 2025, the kicking and punting groups kept the team in games. Replacing former punter Ryan Wright won’t require elite-level ability, but he performed better than Hekker last season. Fewer than 30 percent of Hekker’s punts landed inside the 20-yard-line, which ranked in the bottom 10 of qualified punters.

The Vikings signed Ray Guy Award winner Brett Thorson in undrafted free agency. Saturday is a platform for them to prove their talent and their reliability as holders for kicker Will Reichard.

Demond Claiborne, RB

In organized team activities, veteran Vikings running back Aaron Jones raved about Claiborne’s skill set. You cannot miss the juice. He glides. He also goes from deciphering to blurring through holes in a flash. The questions never hinged on his talent. More than anything, for the sixth-round rookie to find the field in 2026, Claiborne needed to learn the playbook and display consistency with work habits and ball security.

He has impressed in spurts throughout training camp. Preseason games mean more eyes on the overall operation. As long as Claiborne positions himself in the correct spots, he may become one of Saturday’s key storylines.

Dontae Fleming, WR

Few Vikings coaches have proven their ability to develop players more than Keenan McCardell. The team’s receivers coach earned the trust of superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. McCardell built a connection with third-year wideout Jordan Addison. Already, the team’s 2025 third-rounder, Tai Felton, is following a similar arc as former Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor.

The back end of the room warrants some discussion, too. Undrafted signings from recent years such as Jeshaun Jones and Myles Price have made plays in recent practices. Fleming, another undrafted signing in 2025 from Tulane, may be the most explosive and dynamic as a route runner.

Joe Huber, OG

Former Arizona Cardinals coaches reiterated the role interior pass protection plays for quarterback Kyler Murray. The Vikings used 17 combinations of offensive linemen for at least 10 snaps throughout the 2025 season. That allowed Huber, a 2025 signee from Cincinnati and Wisconsin, to get regular-season snaps against the Cleveland Browns in London. Huber held his own versus defensive tackle talent such as Maliek Collins. This fall, he’s competing to keep his backup position with other versatile depth like Henry Byrd.

Huber and many of the offensive line backups are likely to play an extended period Saturday. That’ll provide the team with critical film to evaluate.

Caleb Tiernan, T

Why not lob in a bit of a wild card here? Among the rookies, none has flown under the radar more than Tiernan. The third-round pick, drafted following an exceptional career at Northwestern, has mostly mixed in with the backup offensive line group at right tackle. The 2025 season underscored the importance of reliable tackle depth — especially for an offense committed to pushing the ball vertically through deep-drop passing concepts.

The Giants’ stable of edge rushers may not play significant snaps. But Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux would give a nice glimpse at Tiernan’s status.

Gavin Bartholomew, TE

O’Connell arrived in 2022, and since then, the team has valued its tight end depth. For years, Johnny Mundt occupied the No. 3 tight end job and gave the team comfort. His departure led Minnesota to take Bartholomew with a sixth-round pick in 2025. A serious back injury ended his rookie season before it began, but he returned to 2026 training camp with a level of motivation that has been evident.

Almost every day, Bartholomew snatches a pass down the seam. The biggest question, especially regarding how far he can push current Vikings backup tight end Ben Yurosek, is whether he can displace defenders in the run game. Saturday is the first real test.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT

Observing Ingram-Dawkins, 23, coincides with the earlier point regarding Banks and Orange. The longer it takes for the two rookie interior defenders to find their footing, the more responsibility will fall on players like Rodriguez and Ingram-Dawkins.

The Vikings selected the former Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle with one of their five picks in 2025 for a purpose. They projected major upside. In fact, one AFC evaluator suggested Ingram-Dawkins could’ve returned to Georgia and proved himself to be an early-round selection. Ingram-Dawkins played only 250 snaps last season, but he has slimmed down ahead of 2026. Saturday stands as his chance to inspire optimism in the defensive tackle depth.

The potential pot-stirrers. https://t.co/iPrWR5uzB8

— VikesNow (@VikesNow) August 14, 2026

5 Vikings Who Could Change Minnesota’s Plans Saturday

The Vikings’ preseason opener against the Giants will matter most to the players trying to earn a job. That was the focus of this look at five Vikings who need big performances.

This is the other side of the equation.

The Vikings need certain players to show their skills because the team has a genuine need at their position, has invested significant draft capital in their development or is counting on them to replace a departed veteran. Saturday is not only an audition for a roster spot. It is an early test of whether Minnesota has answers where it needs them most.

A strong performance will not settle every question. But if a rookie defensive tackle looks ready for NFL strength, an inexperienced reserve edge defender creates pressure or a young safety shows he can communicate and tackle in space, the Vikings can feel better about the plan they have built. If those players struggle, the front office may have to keep searching.

These are the five Vikings, in alphabetical order, the team needs to see step up on Saturday..

Blake Brandel

Center Brandel is set to take over from retired veteran Ryan Kelly, who spent just one year in the Twin Cities, but more than a decade as a center. And that’s the problem: Brandel doesn’t have that experience as a long-time tackle and guard. He was thrust into action last year when Kelly missed time. Brandel is a trusted blocker, but the key aspect of his new position remains a struggle and that’s snapping the ball.

That same issue regularly popped up throughout training camp and in his time at center in 2025. One thing is clear: Snapping the ball is non-negotiable. It happens on every play, over 1,000 times next season, and there can’t be any concerns about it.

Brandel needs clean exchanges in the preseason, as it’ll be the best test the Vikings get. A couple of botched snaps and the Vikings might have to scan the market for an alternative.

Tai Felton

Receiver Felton cost the Vikings a third-round pick last year. Though he was a valuable contributor on special teams, providing some value on offense should be a given for a player picked 102nd overall. Yet, in his first season, he caught only three passes in the crowded receiver room. The QB crisis didn’t help either.

Year 2 could be a breakout season, especially after reporters and fans in attendance at training camp practices have raved about the sophomore. Like all players, however, he needs to prove it in a real game.

The Vikings need Felton to turn that camp momentum into dependable production because their receiver depth becomes thin quickly behind Jefferson, Addison and Jennings. Jefferson is unlikely to play much, if at all, on Saturday, while Addison and Jennings have little to prove in August. That leaves Felton with a chance to show he can be more than a special-teams contributor and become a legitimate next-man-up option if Minnesota loses a starter or needs another speed threat in its offense.

A strong performance against the Giants would not only help Felton separate from Myles Price, Jeshaun Jones and Dontae Fleming. It would give the Vikings more confidence that their 2025 third-round investment can fill an important role now, rather than forcing them to search for more receiving depth later.

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

When the Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard, they opened more than a starting job for Dallas Turner. They also created a need for someone else to handle meaningful snaps on the edge.

Ingram-Dawkins may be that player. Minnesota drafted him in the fifth round last year as a defensive tackle, and he spent his rookie season doing much of his work inside. He played 250 defensive snaps. This offseason, however, Ingram-Dawkins has prepared for a larger and more flexible role, spending time at outside linebacker while retaining the ability to move inside.

That versatility is valuable in Brian Flores’ defense. The Vikings do not necessarily need Ingram-Dawkins to become a traditional edge rusher who wins every snap with speed around the corner. They need another capable defender who can spell Turner or Andrew Van Ginkel, hold up against the run, rush from different alignments and allow Flores to keep changing the picture for opposing offenses.

Flores said Ingram-Dawkins is “much more comfortable” entering his second training camp and knows his strengths. Saturday offers Ingram-Dawkins a chance to show what that comfort looks like against another team.

If he consistently creates pressure, plays with discipline on the edge and looks capable of handling the physical demands of the position, the Vikings can feel better about their internal plan after Greenard’s exit. If not, the need for another veteran pass rusher will become much harder to ignore.

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback this week. That does not make J.J. McCarthy irrelevant. It makes the preseason more important.

McCarthy remains a 23-year-old former first-round pick, the player Minnesota once expected to become its franchise quarterback. He is now the backup, which means he has two responsibilities at once: he has to be prepared if Murray misses time, and he has to continue showing the organization that his long-term outlook has not changed.

The Vikings need to see progress in the areas that decided the competition. McCarthy must play on time, make accurate decisions, avoid turnovers and show that the mechanical and situational work he emphasized throughout camp is becoming natural. He should receive far more preseason snaps than Murray, giving Minnesota a meaningful chance to evaluate him against an opponent that is not already familiar with the offense.

After being named QB2, McCarthy said he remains confident in his future and called the setback “a speed bump.” The Vikings can agree with that belief only if his play keeps moving forward.

Saturday will not determine whether McCarthy becomes Minnesota’s eventual starter. But a poised, efficient performance would give the team something it badly needs: confidence that its most important young investment is still developing in the right direction, even if his timetable has changed.

It would also preserve the organization’s flexibility. There is no indication that the Vikings want to trade McCarthy, and they should value having decent depth behind Murray. Still, a former first-round pick on a manageable contract becomes a more valuable asset when he shows meaningful progress in real game action. The better McCarthy plays, the more options Minnesota retains, whether he eventually becomes its starter, an important backup or a player other teams value highly.

Demond Claiborne

The Vikings are set at running back for 2026. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason form a strong top duo, but neither is signed beyond this season.

That makes the evaluation of rookie Demond Claiborne more important than a typical sixth-round running back’s first preseason game.

Claiborne gives Minnesota an element the rest of the room does not quite possess. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash before the draft, and his acceleration has already flashed in training camp. But practice cannot establish whether his speed will translate when defenders are allowed to tackle, when the blocking is less predictable and when a missed read can end a drive.

The Vikings need to find out whether Claiborne is more than an exciting athlete. Can he execute the run scheme, catch reliably, protect the quarterback and make the correct decision as a returner? Those details will determine whether the big-play speed is usable on Sundays.

If Claiborne looks like the real deal against the Giants, Minnesota will have more than a developmental back. It will have a potential long-term answer at a position where both current top backs are on expiring contracts, plus a change-of-pace weapon who can add another dimension to the offense immediately.

No one can settle that question in one preseason game. But Claiborne has an opportunity to show the Vikings that his speed is not merely a training-camp attraction. It could become part of the team’s future.

https://vikesnow.com/depth-chart/2026/vikings-preseason-opener-5-players-roster-battles/

The Vikings’ Preseason Opener Means the Most for These 5 Players

The Minnesota Vikings will travel to MetLife Stadium this Saturday for their first preseason action, taking on the New York Giants – – four days after the club named Kyler Murray the starting quarterback. Murray’s quarterback competition against J.J. McCarthy headlined training camp, but with that in the rearview, other roster spots are now in the balance.

Listed alphabetically, these five players need big performances to secure depth chart security.

5 Vikings Fighting to Strengthen Their Roster Cases

1. Jeshaun Jones | WR

Jones has always skirted around the edges of the active roster and even experienced a late-season promotion last year. He is, of course, existing on a depth chart that features WR roster locks: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and Tai Felton. It will be tricky to crack the code.

Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifeld wrote last week, “Special teams roles for Zemaiah Vaughn and Jeshaun Jones are particularly important as young, undrafted players who spent last season on the practice squad but have repeatedly made plays in camp. Jones had one of his louder days with a plethora of catches.”

There’s a path for Jones; he just has to stand off the page more than most in the next couple of weeks. Perhaps special teams can be the special sauce. In any event, the preseason is crucial for Jones.

Another unsung wideout, Dontae Fleming, has also played well in Eagan.

2. Bo Richter | OLB

With no Jonathan Greenard on the roster – – Minnesota traded him to Philadelphia in April – – the Vikings don’t have their typical OLB depth. The depth chart is begging for an OLB3 to emerge from the UDFA woodwork.

Defense has the upper hand so far at training camp. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores recently mentioned, “It’s not uncommon for the defense to maybe be a little bit ahead in the first day of pads, but what you’re looking for is you’re looking for growth.”

“And I’m really confident that as camp just kind of progresses that you’re going to see the offense have some days, you’re going to see the defense have some days and back and forth.”

Richter must help continue the defense-first trend at camp and in the preseason – – and hope to carve out the OLB3 job for himself.

He’s proved himself on special teams in his rookie season, but he’ll have to compete for snaps with Jake Golday, Tyler Batty, and others. If he can demonstrate value on special teams and generate sacks or pressures in the preseason, he could elevate his status from “useful depth” to a necessary roster piece.

Otherwise, the Vikings could be tempted to sign a free-agent OLB like Leonard Floyd, Von Miller, or Haason Reddick, to name a few examples.

3. Walter Rouse | OT

Former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Rouse in 2024, and he’s never really latched on for too much playing time on offense. His third year in the pros would be a natural next step, right? Nope – – the Vikings signed veteran tackle Ryan Van Demark from the Buffalo Bills and drafted Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan in Round 3 back in April.

Those additions made the roster math complicated for Rouse. He must either ball out in the preseason, hope the Vikings keep more OTs than usual, or explore versatility by playing guard. That’s all there is to it.

4. Brett Thorson | P

Thorson had a terrific practice on August 7 as a holder and punter, leading many reporters and Vikings pundits to view him as a legitimate threat to Johnny Hekker. The preseason will be crucial for Minnesota to assess the one aspect camp cannot fully simulate: Thorson’s ability to handle the pressure and demands of NFL game-day holding.

This might even be the premier preseason camp battle to monitor, especially for special teams lovers, not that Murray v. McCarthy is in the books.

5. Elijah Williams | DT

Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, and Levi Drake Rodriguez are roster locks at DT. Veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk could be safe, too. A DT from last year, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, may formally move to OLB.

That leaves Williams, who’s made a name for himself among Vikings fans in the last two summers with his sturdy play.

Daily Norseman’s Warren Ludford on Williams last week: “Elijah Williams has been mildly impressive so far, and I would not be surprised if he gained a roster spot. He would also be likely to be called upon to take reps while Big Citrus and Banks ramp up.”

Williams must stuff some running backs in the preseason. He’s straddling the roster bubble.

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VikesNow Verdict: For Minnesota’s stars, Saturday is mostly a tune-up. For Jones, Rouse, Richter, Thorson and Williams, it is an audition. None needs a flawless afternoon on Saturday, but each can materially improve – – or damage – – his odds of surviving the final roster cut.

https://www.giants.com/news/minnesota-vikings-rookies-arvell-reese-francis-sisi-mauigoa-colton-hood-malachi-fields-bobby-jamison-travis-jc-davis-jack-kelly

Rookie Watch: Preseason check-in with 2026 class

The New York Giants will take the field at MetLife Stadium for the first time this season as they face the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason opener.

"We have a chance to be a good football team," coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "We're doing a lot of good things right now. Where do we go? This week we told the guys the focus this week is all the execution things for sure, but the focus this week is technique. From now until Saturday, our individual focus is on your technique. All the little things to make you successful.

"Even at the end of practice when you're dead tired, that's a fourth quarter, win the game type drill and you're down by 14. Okay? That's focus on your technique. Because if your technique is good, you can win the battle of fatigue. And that's what we're working on. So, I think that set us up for that. Now go forward this week and do that same idea."

Here are players to watch in Saturday's preseason opener.

Rookies set to make Giants debut

Harbaugh has yet to announce who will play and who might sit out Saturday's game. But one thing we do know for certain is it will be the first time the rookie class puts on a Giants uniform and, at the very least, take the sideline for a game. The draft class put together an overall strong performance in West Virginia as numerous players continue to battle for big roles on the team this season.

Here is what the coaches and veterans had to say about some of the team's draft picks during their first NFL training camp.

LB Arvell Reese

Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson: "He's been impressive. Not to put too much on a kid's plate, being a rookie, but he's picked up everything from a defensive structure, the calls, the adjustments, and he's running around playing fast and physical. The thing I love about him is if he messes up, he's not a repeat mistake offender. So, he'll correct his mistake, learn from it, and if he makes a mistake, it's something that he doesn't know. So, it's been outstanding to watch this young man grow."

LB Tremaine Edmunds: "I think anytime you come in and you're a young guy, you don't really know what training camp is about, but you could tell in the summertime, he was doing his work as far as studying, as far as training, everything that goes into it, just his attention to detail. I think the most impressive thing is that he wants to learn. I like to talk about off the field because he's somebody that wants to learn, somebody that wants to get better. Anybody come up, say something to him, 'I got you.' And he knows ball. So, at the end of the day the ceiling is high for him. And he's out here working every day and he's putting it on display. So, he's going to be a good player for a while."

OL Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa

OL Jermaine Eluemunor: "He's a very energetic kid. I like playing next to him. He holds everyone accountable. You can tell that he has that leadership trait that is rare in a young guy his age. I think, what, he's 21? And so, the sky's the limit for him, too. I think him and Arvell are going to be huge players for us this year. And, yeah, I'm excited to just keep growing with him, getting better. And him learning how I play the game, me learning how he plays the game, helping each other so we can be the best this year."

DL DJ Reader: "He's very heavy-handed and he can move. It's good to be around some young, joyful energy. I'm getting up there in some years. He's a kid, I know he's going to make me bring it every day. He's going to make me better for it, and he's going to get better for it."

LB Tremaine Edmunds: "He's a good player, obviously he's strong with his hands, has good foot movement, good footwork. Just attention to detail. I think the guys that's on the o-line is making him better as well. He's learning from some of the older guys, but early impressions, he's strong. He understands like blocking schemes and where to be at. So, he's doing a good job right now."

CB Colton Hood

Defensive Coordinator Dennard Wilson: "Every day is something new that comes up. Yesterday we were in a certain situation, and he got beat, but he corrected it today. They tried to throw the same move at him, and his eyes were right. He's doing a hell of a job. He's spending a lot of time with the coaches, and I give kudos to my DB coaches. Donald (D'Alesio) and Addison (Lynch) are, I think, some of the best two DB coaches in the National Football League, and he's taking the coaching.

"He's running to the coaching every day. He's spending extra time, and when he gets out here, he's doing what he's asked to do. And the new things that pop up with him is just stuff that he's never seen at this level. But he's willing, and I think his growth still, he's just stacking days, stacking days, and getting better."

WR Malachi Fields

Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy: "It's impressive. He's a kid that, literally every install that we do, run and pass, he's a kid that when you're walking up in front of the group and you're teaching, his eyes never leave you. Never. I mean, he wants to know everything. Then he gets on the field and he does almost everything right. And then he's talented. So, it's impressive. He's got to be able to do this moving forward every day in the games. But I think a lot of him, and I think (WR Coach) Chad Hall's done a hell of a job with him."

CB Paulson Adebo: "I think he's been great. I think he's quick. He's a big receiver, but he also has some speed to him as well, so he reminds me of kind of those old school, traditional, like Terrell Owens type that can go up and get the ball but also has the speed to kind of break away from you, if need be, so he's been great this whole offseason."

Kicker competition continues

Ben Sauls & Dominic Zvada

One of the most intriguing training camp competitions has been at kicker. Since the team first took the field at The Greenbrier and all the way through this week's practices in East Rutherford, both Ben Sauls and Dominic Zvada have kicked well.

Sauls, the second-year kicker, converted all eight of his field goal attempts last season, with a long of 45 yards, while also connecting on all seven extra point attempts across three games. Meanwhile, the undrafted Zvada is just two years removed from earning first-team All-American honors while kicking at Michigan after making 21 of 22 field goal attempts along with 26 of 27 extra point attempts.

A couple of weeks into training camp, both kickers have impressed the coaching staff.

"It's two young guys that are doing very well," assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Chris Horton said about the kicker competition. "Both guys' leg talent is there. Both guys, where they are right now from where they were during this spring, I mean, it's been tremendous growth just watching these guys go out and compete against each other. They know that they're in a competition, and they come out every day and they work hard."

"They've done well," Harbaugh said after the first week of training camp. "They've made a good number of kicks. I feel good about it."

Giants' Jalin Hyatt out vs. Vikings, Paulson Adebo a game-time decision

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Thursday that wide receiver Jalin Hyatt will not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings due to injury.

Harbaugh indicated he may not provide further details on every injured player but made clear that Hyatt is ruled out, while Adebo's availability will be determined nearer to game time.

Hyatt is about to hit the bricks. Cautionary tale for Vols WRs.

New Ep of @AlecLewisShow going through the Vikings' roster ahead of Saturday's preseason game at Giants...https://t.co/mkx8SAYVZ2

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 14, 2026

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2088028463676498363?s=20

The biggest question mark on our OL is this guy and Brandel. If these 2 can shore up the middle of the line then watch out... Otherwise its the same thing we have seen for over a decade with the middle collapsing over and over and the QB constantly scrambling.

3 Predictions for Vikings Preseason Week 1 After Thursday's Practice: Wentz's Role Is Clear

Here's what the latest practice says about Minnesota's outlook this weekend.

EAGAN, MN — The Vikings are fully focused on their first preseason game of 2026, and Thursday’s practice certainly showed it. The majority of the day was spent at a slow pace or in walkthroughs. One standout moment came in 11-on-11 work, as Kyler Murray found Jordan Addison downfield for a diving catch, gaining about 40 yards. 

It was clear that the team’s focus was on preparing the players they envision seeing a majority of snaps this weekend. With that in mind, here are three predictions I’m making for this Saturday’s matchup against the Giants based on what little we did see at Thursday's practice. 

3. Center will be Vikings' main roster focus

We’ve seen several… less-than-ideal snaps between centers and quarterbacks throughout this year's camp. Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and rookie Gavin Gerhardt were all looking to prove themselves as the answer to the Vikings' plaguing need at center.

But so far, even highlight clips of pass plays have led fans to dissect snaps on social media (h/t VikingzFanPage).

Kyler Murray finding Justin Jefferson deep at practice.

(Via Vikings IG) pic.twitter.com/9oj5qjecW3

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 12, 2026

Brandel had never even played center until multiple injuries along the offensive line forced him into the role last season. Let me be clear: the fact that he’s even taking first-team reps is an incredible accomplishment for the utility lineman who previously made appearances at both tackle and guard. But it may not be steady enough for the Vikings to hang their hats on.

Brandel had a botched exchange with Murray today in a red-zone walkthrough. Yes, a walkthrough. If the two are struggling to get on the same page at such a slow pace, there is fair concern about what things will look like with a regular-season pass rush on the attack. New general manager Nolan Teasley will be watching closely on Saturday, and it would not surprise me if the team starts eyeing additional options at center soon. 

2. Expect to see a lot of Carson Wentz

Practice kicked off a bit earlier than usual on Thursday with an initial walkthrough period, featuring a heavy dose of Carson Wentz. The Vikings re-signed Wentz this past spring after he nearly sacrificed his long-term health last season by playing through a torn labrum and a fractured socket in his non-throwing shoulder for weeks.

The man has heart, and clearly growing up a Vikings fan had him willing to leave it all on the field. 

Wentz will get his first go with the team in a preseason setting after initially joining the team once last year’s camp had already concluded. Until Murray’s breakout this week, Wentz was the most consistent QB in the room to start camp.  His rep count has seen a noticeable uptick this week after Murray was named QB1. While Murray is expected to see limited action on Saturday, J.J. McCarthy and Wentz will likely get the bulk of reps throughout the game. Max Brosmer will also likely see time towards the end of the game. 

There is a real chance that Wentz ends up as the Vikings’ QB2 this season if the right offer comes in for McCarthy. The heart he showed last season and the comfort he's showcased in the offense this summer may go a long way to making that happen. 

1. Young defenders will get the majority of minute

The thing that's stood out most about defensive coordinator Brian Flores's unit so far in camp? The young guns. The team invested the majority of their draft capital on the defensive side of the ball in Rob Brzezinski’s one draft as interim GM.

So far, the kids are getting their opportunities to shine. 

Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, Jake Golday, and Chuck Demmings have all had standout moments so far through training camp, and I’d expect to see a lot of work for them on Saturday.

Thursday’s practice previewed what we might see, as Banks, Orange and second-year defensive lineman Elijah Williams lined up together along the defensive front. I’d expect more tenured players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond to see little to no action Saturday as the young dogs get acclimated to NFL speed. 

Golday and Demmings will be fun to track, as both have been utilized in different ways so far through camp. Safety Jakobe Thomas has yet to have his splash moment in practices, but an open lane to a pass-catcher could be a chance to showcase the type of hard hits he was known for at Miami. 

If you live outside the Minnesota viewing area, it appears the @Giants preseason game will be available live on ESPN Unlimited app. If you have DirecTV or YouTube TV you probably already have ESPN Unlimited at no charge.

More excited for the Vikings preseason games this year than I’ve been in a long time. Vets with a ton to prove and young guys with insane potential. Should be a blast.

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 14, 2026

The Giants' top cornerbacks entering the preseason: CB1: Greg Newsome II (injured) CB2: Deonte Banks CB3: Paulson Adebo (injured) CB4: Colton Hood SLCB: Dru Phillips (injured) Easily the worst position group on this roster. Completely unproven and already battered with injuries. They need to add someone to this room before Week 1.

— Anthony Rivardo @Anthony_Rivardo Aug 14, 2026

𝕏 X / Twitter — Anthony Rivardo @Anthony_Rivardo

The Giants' top cornerbacks entering the preseason: CB1: Greg Newsome II (injured) CB2: Deonte Banks CB3: Paulson Adebo (injured) CB4: Colton Hood SLCB: Dru Phillips (injured) Easily the worst position group on this roster. Completely unproven and already battered with injuries. They need to add someone to this room before Week 1.

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Block their formidable front 7 and it should be easy pickins.

How long should the #Vikings play JJ McCarthy in their preseason game tomorrow against the #Giants?

— VikingzFanPage @vikingzfanpage Aug 14, 2026

𝕏 X / Twitter — VikingzFanPage @vikingzfanpage

How long should the #Vikings play JJ McCarthy in their preseason game tomorrow against the #Giants?

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I’d give K1 and the rest of the ones (except for Jefferson and Darrisaw) two series, then put JJ in with the twos through the half. The more live bullets he gets the better.

What are the latest updates from #Vikings camp before tomorrow's first preseason game? 🏈 pic.twitter.com/oyb2cRTjmQ

— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) August 14, 2026

Analyzing Minnesota Vikings depth chart ahead of first preseason game!

- Biggest surprises
- Who will move up depth chart the most?
- What to watch for in preseason game

🎙️: https://t.co/Prikit2YIY pic.twitter.com/Xy0E31pXLe

— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) August 14, 2026

The most IMPORTANT things to look for during Saturday’s #Vikings preseason game against the Giants 👀 pic.twitter.com/aNoMff0diC

— SKOR North - Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) August 14, 2026