Patriots Test Depth in Minnesota Showdown

New England uses the second preseason game to evaluate depth across positions against the Vikings.

Patriots Test Depth in Minnesota Showdown

New England heads to Minnesota for the second preseason game after a week of joint practices. The team plans to lean on backup quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge for extended snaps, with Drake Maye likely to see limited action. Dobbs, who rebounded from a rough opener, will try to cement the No. 2 job, while Wooldridge looks to build on his strong preseason start.

The Vikings will be without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, opening opportunities for Patriots reserves to demonstrate their readiness. The Patriots are expected to feature 11 players on their watch list, including Javon Baker, Efton Chism III, Will Campbell, Ben Brown, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson, Kyle Dugger, and kickers Andy Borregales and Parker Romo, among others. The game will test the depth across the roster and how well the offense and defense execute with backups.

This game is less about star power and more about roster clarity. Campbell’s rebound potential will be watched closely after a rough week, and Brown’s performance at left guard could determine the top line there. The edge group faces a familiar tension between veteran stability and youth upside, with Jennings and Swinson trying to prove they fit the Patriots’ attacking front. Dugger’s high cap hit adds urgency to every on-field decision, signaling that the Patriots must justify payroll with performance.

Chism and Baker embody a broader trend: young players stepping up through practice and special teams to force difficult roster choices. If they deliver again, New England can preserve budget flexibility and avoid rushing veteran signings. The Minnesota test also offers a clearer read on how the team plans to balance immediate needs with long term development as preseason games accumulate.

Highlights

Rosters will continue to form through these competitive moments as the schedule unfolds.