The 4 Now-or-Never Storylines for Vikings’ Last Preseason Game
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to Pennsylvania on Saturday for a preseason matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the final exhibition game of the year for both clubs.
The 4 Now-or-Never Storylines for Vikings’ Last Preseason Game
The Vikings will likely rest all starters and even some second-string backups.
And to prepare you for the event, these are the Vikings’ four now-or-never items to monitor, ranked in ascending order of importance (No. 1 = most important).
4. Does the UDFA Majesty Continue?
Last weekend, Dwight McGlothern, Malik Knowles, Bo Richter, Trishton Jackson, and other undrafted free agents performed wonderfully in a win over the Cleveland Browns. In fact, it was The Undrafted Free Agent Show.
During the final preseason game at Philadelphia, head coach Kevin O’Connell may rest players who are total locks to make the 53-man roster. So, the UDFAs again have a chance to stand out. Will they?
3. Jaren Hall or Matt Corral as the 2024 QB3?
Jaren Hall is probably the QB3 because this front office and coaching staff drafted him 16 months ago. Yet, there’s always a chance that Matt Corral steals his job. Corral is also over a year younger than Hall.
The duo should split playing time on Saturday, and while it may not be a “let the best man win” situation, a dazzling performance from one might seal the deal.
2. The Bottom of the WR Depth Chart
These are the purple team’s wide receivers at the moment:
WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: Jalen Nailor
WR4: Brandon Powell
WR5: Trishton Jackson
WR6: Trent Sherfield
WR7: Jeshaun Jones
WR8: Lucky Jackson
WR9: Thayer Thomas
WR10: Malik Knowles
WR11: Justin Hall
The preseason game should feature the bottom eight players, so watch for the peak performers. The team will keep five or six WRs, in all likelihood.
1. Lewis Cine, in General
This is it for Cine. One of these three outcomes will occur:
- He’ll make the 53-man roster
- A trade awaits
- Cine will be waived and join another team
He played tremendously last weekend, and fans want a follow-up. It’s probably the main reason to watch the preseason — Cine personally.
It’s also worth noting that the Vikings kept six safeties on the roster last year, so remember that for context.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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