3 Minnesota Vikings Who Could Be in Danger Come Cut Time
The Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the NFL will trim their rosters down from 90 players to 53 in just nine days.
When that August 26 date arrives, there are a few Vikings players who could be in danger of being cut following the results of Minnesota’s second preseason game against the New England Patriots.
QB Sam Howell
It was a disappointing day for Sam Howell on Saturday as he completed just one of his five pass attempts for 13 yards and an interception that was a dying duck towards the sidelines. Even worse, the interception came in Vikings territory, and while Minnesota’s defense was able to force a turnover on downs during the ensuing possession, it’s concerning to see a veteran making these types of plays.
It wasn’t exactly a great day for Max Brosmer either, but he at least had moments where he could move the ball through the air. Granted, it was against New England’s backup defenders, but there were flashes of a player who could hold down a backup job at some point.
If J.J. McCarthy were to miss time this season for whatever reason, Howell would be the man expected to go in and take snaps as the starter at this point. This game was further evidence that he simply is not ready to do that, and Minnesota may need to go get another quarterback.
RB Ty Chandler
It was another forgettable preseason game for RB Ty Chandler as he totaled three carries for 12 yards. Zavier Scott, on the other hand, showed that he can make an impact in a number of different ways. It wasn’t the greatest day running the ball for Scott either (10 carries for 28 yards), but he again proved he can be a difference maker as a receiver out of the backfield.
Scott totaled three receptions on his four targets, which went for 44 yards and included an 18-yard catch to get the Vikings into field goal range at the end of the second quarter.
Furthermore, Chandler’s job as Minnesota’s kick returner could be in jeopardy after Myles Price had an explosive 81-yard return and three other Vikings not named Chandler took kickoffs during the game.
P Ryan Wright
Ryan Wright was fine during his two punting opportunities on Saturday, booting one for 56 yards and the other for 45. However, it’s notable that, especially the first punting opportunity, neither exactly pinned the Patriots into their own territory. Wright’s 56-yard boot was returned 37 yards from New England’s 11.
Oscar Chapman also had a punt that outdid Wright with 58 yards, and it came with the Vikings pinned deep in their own territory. The ball was downed at New England’s 31, and it immediately resulted in a three and out from the Patriots.
Even more telling, Chapman continued to get holding opportunities on Will Reichard’s kick attempts. That likely wouldn’t be the case if Chapman wasn’t still seriously in consideration to be Minnesota’s punter this season.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via ESPN.com.
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