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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Andrew Van Ginkel expressed confidence in Sam Darnold leading the Vikings, “He’s a lot more comfortable. He’s got a lot more playmakers now than he did with the [New York] Jets. You can tell he’s a vet. He’s been in this league for a while. He understands who he is, how he can manipulate defenses or get the ball to his playmakers in space.” The season hinges on Darnold. Nick Mullens has made 20 starts in his NFL career, with 34 touchdown passes and 31 interceptions. Mullens said, “If I protect the football, I feel that I am a better quarterback in this league. If we can go out and have no turnovers in a performance, it is big. It helps the team, and we didn’t turn the ball over as a group, and we won. That correlates to winning football games.” Mullens’ propensity for turnovers is one of the reasons Darnold was signed this offseason. In the preseason finale, Jaren Hall suffered a leg injury, clouding his roster spot. J.J. McCarthy became the first quarterback drafted in the top ten since 1967 to miss his entire rookie season due to an injury. Bucky Brooks remains optimistic about McCarthy's lost year, referring to it as a redshirt season, which could help him become a better player and leader of the franchise.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Vikings signed Mo Ibrahim a few days before their last preseason game. It’s been speculated that Minnesota will roster a backfield of Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, and Kene Nwangwu, with C.J. Ham at fullback. It remains to be seen if the team will keep Ibrahim as an extra running back, move him to the practice squad, or cut him. Myles Gaskin is also battling to make the roster. Minnesota has signed and released Gaskin multiple times in the last year. Nwangwu is set to be the primary kick returner. However, Ted Schwerzler believes Nwangwu brings a different skill set than Jones and Chandler, which could be a nice change of pace for the backfield.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Darren Wolfson expects Jordan Addison will be out at least another week and doubts the ankle will be 100% for Week 1. Motivation is important in sports, with one of the most famous examples being Michael Jordan saying, “It became personal with me” many times on The Last Dance. Recently, on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, Justin Jefferson shared he “100%” thinks about the Philadelphia Eagles passing on him in the 2020 NFL Draft. Jefferson said, “I definitely kept it on the back shoulder and definitely kept it with me throughout my career.” Jefferson has averaged 104 receiving yards in two career games against the Eagles. On the same podcast, Jefferson was asked which young wide receivers he likes in the NFL and believes they’ll have a good season. The last wide receiver Jefferson mentioned was Jalen Nailor, saying, “Speedy [Nailor] for us is gonna be big time—who’s gonna surprise somebody this year.” According to Tyler Forness, Nailor thrived throughout training camp, easily creating separation. Injuries have kept Nailor back, but he’s stayed healthy this summer.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
According to Wolfson, T.J. Hockenson has “looked a little hesitant at times” when working out on the side during practices. Regarding Hockenson being hesitant, Wolfson continued, “A little bit more so than a week or two ago.” Wolfson suggested late October to early November for Hockenson’s return, but it is going to take some time. Robert Tonyan Jr has been battling back spasms throughout training camp, and Tyler Forness predicts Tonyan will not make the team.
Preseason Updates: Defense
“I try to be a Swiss Army knife, and that’s ultimately why I’m here,” Andrew Van Ginkel told reporters. “Flo [Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores] has a lot of respect for what I can do on the football field, to play multiple positions. Being able to know the whole defense allows me to play faster and play at different positions.” Van Ginkel fits perfectly into Flores’ chaos and unpredictable style of defense due to his versatility and his ability to cause pressure on opposing quarterbacks. New cornerback Stephon Gilmore turns 35 years old in September but still wants to show he can play. He said, “Anytime I step in between those lines, I try to go hard and show people I’ve still got it. Just keep proving it.” Gilmore worked with Coach Flores previously in New England and said, “It’s a little different, but some of the same stuff,” when comparing the Vikings’ scheme under Flores to the previous version with the Patriots. Gilmore added, “I’m excited for it.” Shaq Griffin returned to practice last week after missing several weeks due to an injury. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted that Ivan Pace Jr. “looks more explosive than he did last season,” which can only help him create more pressure on the quarterback in 2024.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Brandon Powell could still be a late cut, but at this point he looks like a strong bet to make the final roster as a punt returner. Kene Nwangwu’s job returning kickoffs is already locked in.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy will miss the 2024 season after the Vikings placed him on injured reserve. McCarthy required full repair surgery on his meniscus. Jesse Morse says this surgery could take 3-5 months to heal. He explained that this recovery is slow and can easily be re-injured. Sam Darnold now has a clear path to being the full-time starter. Justin Jefferson voiced his support for Darnold: “I definitely feel confident going into Week 1 with Sam as our quarterback. I feel like he’s been making plays throughout training camp. I don’t have any worry in my mind at all.” After the McCarthy injury, Coach Kevin O’Connell said this of Darnold: “Our football team has been and will continue to be excited about Sam Darnold and what he’s been able to bring.” It remains to be seen if this is genuine confidence in Darnold or coach speak. Nick Mullens steps up into the backup role, with Jaren Hall battling newly signed Matt Corral for the No. 3 spot. Mullens was under constant pressure against the Browns. Hall generated a perfect passer rating on only five pass attempts, which may help him clinch the No. 3 quarterback job.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert believes Aaron Jones is the Vikings’ “biggest X factor.” He said, “The Vikings signed Jones for two reasons,” Seifert wrote. “They wanted to elevate a rushing attack that has compiled the NFL’s fifth-fewest yards since coach Kevin O’Connell was hired to start the 2022 season. They also hoped Jones could take pressure off whomever the team chooses to replace quarterback Kirk Cousins.” Jones and Ty Chandler didn’t play against the Browns, but Kene Nwangwu continued to impress. He’s been a bright spot, showing great burst, vision, and overall efficiency whenever he gets the ball.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Andrew Harbaugh suggests the offense will lean even more on Justin Jefferson in 2024 to take pressure off Darnold. Jefferson has continually produced, no matter who his quarterback is. Jordan Addison was carted off the practice field early in the week with an ankle injury, but it isn’t severe, and he’s not expected to miss significant time. Jalen Nailor caught a 31-yard reception on the first drive against Cleveland. Tristan Jackson continued his excellent summer against the Browns and is zeroing in on a roster spot.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that he’s heard estimates of between three to seven games missed for T.J. Hockenson, with the team expecting him back during the first half of the season. However, he added that “the most expansive estimate would keep him out until early November.”
Preseason Updates: Defense
Former first-round pick Lewis Cine may have earned himself a roster spot after his preseason performance against the Browns. Cine recorded an interception, a sack, a pass breakup, two hits on the quarterback, a tackle for loss, and 11 total tackles. Cine desperately needed a good showing, and he delivered. Shaq Griffin has missed three weeks with a soft tissue injury, but Coach O’Connell says he’ll be ready for the start of the season. The Vikings' response to multiple injuries at cornerback was signing Stephon Gilmore to a one-year contract for up to $10 million. Gilmore turns 34 years old in September and struggled toward the end of the 2023 season with a separated shoulder. However, he finished the season ranked as PFF’s 35th-best cornerback. Gilmore should start on the perimeter immediately, with Byron Murphy Jr. manning the slot. Blake Cashman had surgery on a finger injury but won’t be out for long.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The high-end talent on this Vikings' line is at tackle, where right tackle Brian O'Neill is a former Pro Bowler, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw is ascending into that form. The group has almost perfect cohesion, which is a good thing. The only change is left guard, where Blake Brendel (2020 Draft Round 6 – Oregon) takes over the job. Brendel has started five games for the Vikings in the last three years. Brendel is being pushed in camp by rookie Michael Jurgens (Round 7 – Wake Forest). It all adds to a solid grade and 14th overall in the preseason rankings.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold has been improving and is playing faster than earlier in his career, according to Nick Selbe. He credits Darnold’s quick understanding of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s playbook to his experience in similar schemes under Ben McAdoo and Kyle Shanahan. According to Tyler Forness, Darnold has thrived with Justin Jefferson over the last few practices, and his improvement is spreading to other players on the offense. Will Ragatz has been tracking every throw from J.J. McCarthy at Vikings training camp. Brett Kollmann, creator of The Film Room, commented on McCarthy’s first preseason game: “Some good. Some bad. Some great. Some ugly.” He continued, “Overall, very encouraging. Feels like he locked in his pre-snap decision a bit too much and that got him into trouble post-snap a couple of times, but at least he was decisive and not hesitating.” McCarthy’s worst play came when he faced defensive pressure and threw an interception. Afterward, McCarthy said he thought, “Have that goldfish memory and just have that sling-it mentality, which is what I needed.” Coach O’Connell agreed, saying, “I just love seeing him come right back after the interception, still be aggressive, and stay true to footwork, timing, rhythm, where his eyes should be.” The Vikings used the pistol formation at times in 2023, but Alec Lewis wonders if the team will rely on it more in 2024 to better fit their personnel.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Aaron Jones missed practice on Thursday, but no information has been released regarding whether it was due to an injury or just a veteran day off. In an interview, Jones talked about playing against Green Bay in 2024, saying, “...that chip on my shoulder. Something to prove mentality.” He also indicated he planned to do a Lambeau leap near Vikings fans. Multiple running backs had explosive runs against the Raiders. Ty Chandler had a 16-yard run, while Kene Nwangwu broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run. As a team, the Vikings were very efficient on the ground, averaging 6.5 yards per carry in the preseason game.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Chris Schad believes Jalen Nailor could be on the path to a traditional third-year breakout and left the door open for more production if Jordan Addison is suspended this season. Nailor caught passes of 24, 20, and 19 yards in the preseason opener. One of the most impressive aspects of Vikings camp is the chemistry between Jefferson and Darnold. Jefferson was mic’d up during the third quarter of the preseason game, and Coach O’Connell took notice. Triston Jackson was on the receiving end of McCarthy’s best pass of the night for a touchdown. Dan Graziano believes the timing of Jordan Addison’s suspension could work out favorably for the Vikings, saying, “The Vikings anticipate that a suspension is coming at some point. But due to the speed with which those matters move at the league office, they’re comfortable in their belief that any suspension would come either late this season or during the 2025 offseason.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
“It appears that T.J. Hockenson will not be ready in time to start the regular season. But the team believes it will have him back at some point during the first half of the season,” said Graziano, “The estimates I heard in my reporting ranged from three to seven missed games.” Meanwhile, Josh Oliver hasn’t emerged as a weapon in the passing game despite having an opportunity with Hockenson and Robert Tonyan sidelined. Oliver may only serve as a run-blocking tight end.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Sixth-round pick Will Reichard performed well in the first preseason game, justifying the Vikings' decision to have no competition for him on the roster. Although one field goal attempt was blocked, he made all three extra-point attempts and hit a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired. Reichard is worth considering as a last-round kicker pick.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Coach O’Connell revealed that Jerry Tillery suffered a significant laceration on his calf from a teammate's cleat but assured that he would be fine. Coaches have praised Gabriel Murphy’s performance in camp, though he didn’t play in the game for unspecified reasons. The Vikings traded Andrew Booth to Dallas for Nahshon Wright in a cornerback swap. Wright stands tall at 6-foot-4 and is a cousin of fellow Vikings cornerback Makhi Blackmon. Dave Stefano offered a unique description of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme, saying, “BFlo doesn’t believe in the depth chart. He believes in the skill chart. So, if a player is good at a particular thing, like rushing the passer, he’s going to play him at rushing the passer.” Dallas Turner sacked Aidan O’Connell on third and goal with an impressive bend around the edge. Rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez has created some buzz in camp and may be playing his way into the defensive line rotation. Rodriguez deflected a pass and recorded a sack in the preseason game as well.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Kene Nwangwu, one of the best kickoff returners in the NFL, will continue in that role, while Brandon Powell is the leading candidate to return punts.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy are “farther ahead than where I thought they would be.” Darnold has been taking first-team snaps, earning the role early in camp. He has shown pinpoint accuracy, and his chemistry with Justin Jefferson is growing. McCarthy, who has been taking second-team snaps, needs to be more decisive, according to Joseph Grassano.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Vikings ranked in the bottom five for rushing attempts in the past two seasons. Coach O’Connell plans to change that: "We’re gonna run the football, and we want to establish it.” Aaron Jones is motivated this year, stating, “I definitely still got a lot of juice. When they talk about the best backs in the league, I’m not mentioned in that top five. Honestly, I feel like I’m the best all-around back.” Jones demonstrated his versatility with a toe-tap touchdown reception from Darnold.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson was limited to only nine games last season due to a hamstring injury. He said, “I’m so scared for it to happen again that I’ve been overly cautious about it, just trying to take care of my body in the right way, just trying to find new things that implement in my day-to-day life that can better help me throughout the season. I’ve definitely been working on my hamstrings a little bit more, making sure that I’m injury-proof.” The Vikings had a pre-planned rest day for Jefferson to help his health. Jefferson doesn’t believe much will change after his contract extension outside of a bigger bank account. However, he wants to be more of a vocal leader on the team, which doesn’t come naturally to him. Jordan Addison has had two driving offenses in the last year. Addison said, “I own up to everything. I feel anything that comes my way was meant to happen or is deserved.” He continued, “Take it one day at a time. Be a great teammate. And just keep learning from my mistakes. I ain’t got it all figured out right now, but I’m just going to keep moving forward…” Coach O’Connell on Addison’s arrest: “Of course, we’re disappointed in Jordan… In regard to specifics and details of discipline and things like that, the time will come for that… we’ll let those things happen and work off that accordingly.” According to Dustin Baker, this could be Jalen Nailor’s breakout season, and he could win the WR3 job.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson started camp on the PUP list. However, Coach O’Connell is optimistic about Hockenson's progress toward recovery. Backup Robert Tonyan Jr was carted off the field with back spasms but is expected back this preseason. Josh Oliver could see an expanded role this season.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Sixth-round rookie Will Reichard has been solid so far, going 12 for 14 in team drills, including a 58-yard kick that would have been good from a considerably longer distance. Reichard doesn’t have any competition on the roster, a sign of how much the Vikings believe in the kicker who ended the curse at the position at Alabama and overcame a torn ACL, a torn quad, and the loss of his father in recent years.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is on pace to be ready for Week 1 as he recovers from a foot injury in 2023. Rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner is learning from practicing against left tackle Christian Darrisaw daily. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores is impressed by undrafted rookies Gabriel Murphy and Dwight McGlothern. The Vikings regularly started three safeties—Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, and Harrison Smith—in 2023. According to Josh Berg, the Vikings have found a diamond in the rough with Theo Jackson as the No. 4 safety. Safety Lewis Cine is dealing with lower leg soreness, and Berg said, “It would be best for the Vikings to cut bait and move forward without their former first-rounder.” Cornerback is a large question mark. Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL at the beginning of camp, and Shaq Griffin suffered a soft tissue injury. Veteran Fabian Moreau was recently signed to provide positional stability. The defense suffered another injury when Jerry Tillery was down for several minutes on Saturday and left on the golf cart.
