Vikings roster battles loom in preseason opener

Preseason exposes depth as players vie for the final 53 and coaches test how well backups can adapt.

Vikings roster battles loom in preseason opener

Coaches view preseason as a test for players beyond the starters. The upcoming game against the Houston Texans will spotlight 12 Vikings vying for a final 53-man roster. The list is arranged by jersey number and covers positions where depth is needed, such as wide receiver, linebacker, and the offensive line. Rondale Moore has playmaking ability but must prove durability and how he fits a tougher NFL offense. Brian Asamoah II has value on special teams and speed, yet competition grows with Kobe King joining the mix. The backup quarterback job will be decided through the game as Sam Howell seeks to show he can run the offense when called upon. J.J. McCarthy will be evaluated for how he handles reads and cadence in the huddle.

Other players to watch include Dwight McGlothern at cornerback, Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott at running back, Bo Richter at edge, Zeke Correll and Michael Jurgens at center, and receivers Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones, and Thayer Thomas. The goal is to translate training camp gains to game situations with extra emphasis on consistency, ball skills, route running, and returns on special teams. The exercise also ties into longer term plans about the roster and future cap space as some players are in contract years.

The piece frames preseason as a proving ground for depth players rather than stars. The Vikings must balance upside talent with proven contributors who know the system. Payroll and cap realities are a factor as some players are in contract years and teams look for smart, low risk choices. The analysis shows that the path to the final 53 will depend on special teams impact, versatility, and learning the offense quickly. The broader takeaway is that depth will shape this team’s fate more in the weeks ahead than any single game.

Long term, the scouting focus reveals how the team plans to build a sustainable rotation for a long season. The emphasis on special teams underscores a practical truth that the margin between a practice squad mover and a 53-man player is often a single good game. The risk is placing too much weight on a single preseason showing; final decisions will rely on multiple practices and the body of work from training camp and the early regular season.

Highlights

Further roaster moves will unfold soon as the team weighs upside against cost and role fit.