Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall (16) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings can round out their preseason schedule by going undefeated on Saturday. As they head to Philadelphia and play the Eagles, a 3-0 record during the exhibition slate would be welcomed. Beyond results that don’t matter, though, key position battles need to be sorted out.
Kevin O’Connell is gearing up for the Minnesota Vikings to kick things off against the New York Giants. If the head coach is going to watch his team play spoiler this season, then they’ll need to come out of the gate strong. Plenty will rest on the shoulders of quarterback Sam Darnold, but the entire roster must take steps forward.
All training camp, there have been a couple of positions to watch. Entering the final preseason game and cutdown day, here are three areas to focus on:
Ed Ingram has failed to run away with the role, and that is a problem. Despite Dalton Risner’s inability to compete and be healthy, the Vikings still don’t appear set on the former LSU product. Ingram has struggled to establish consistency at any point during his professional career, and that hasn’t changed this preseason.
Blake Brandel is locked in at the left guard spot. Ingram should be presumed the favorite to start at right guard. Who is rostered behind him and how soon the challenge for his spot remains to be seen.
Nick Mullens is very likely set to work as the second quarterback. Jaren Hall followed up an ugly first week with a perfect second one. Hall may give the Vikings a different look if they want to push him up the depth chart.
Should O’Connell decide not to carry three quarterbacks, will Minnesota take a risk and seek to pass Hall through waivers and get him to the practice squad?
Last week, Minnesota featured Lewis Cine. He responded with a career-best game and certainly looked like a contributor. Will that be the plan of action again this week? Is the goal to see if he’s worth rostering or to get a better pick when he is traded before Week 1?
Cine certainly hasn’t lived up to the billing as a first-round pick, but is there an opportunity for him to experience one last hoorah?
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.