8 Vikings Offensive X-Factors to Watch vs. Texans
In two days, we will have live action against another team. We will finally have real, live Vikings football, allowing for more accurate evaluation of player speculation. There has been plenty of talk and overanalysis of JJ McCarthy that some (including myself) have felt burnt out on with all the nitpicking over every single throw by the young gunslinger.
Eight Minnesota Vikings offensive X-factors are set to take the field against the Houston Texans. Here’s who to watch closely as roster battles and preseason momentum heat up.
I hope more attention is given to the other players on the team, as the Vikings need them to be successful to win games. I get that McCarthy is the shiniest toy on the shelf, but if other players don’t step up, it won’t matter how well he plays. If those other players don’t perform well, it can make it harder to evaluate McCarthy’s performance.
So, let’s just set McCarthy aside for a bit and concentrate on the other guys around him on offense. While starters are pretty set, there are some huge questions beyond that, especially at wide receiver, that need to be watched closely. McCarthy is going to get plenty of coverage.
8 Vikings Players on Offense to Monitor vs. HOU
Donovan Jackson
The offensive line has been a significant focus of the Vikings’ rebuild. Since the 2024 season ended, Kevin O’Connell called out the line for not being good enough. That led to signing free agents center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries.
Jackson was the team’s first-round draft pick to complete the overhaul, with the three of them teaming up with Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Four of these guys have established clout playing in the NFL. Jackson has been named a first-team starter this weekend, and he will need to show that the trust the coaching staff has in him is warranted. He needs to be closely monitored to see if he can withstand live players he hasn’t faced in the last two weeks.
The kid gloves come off at this point. If he can consistently hold up against the point of attack and create some openings to run through, it will give the Purple Faithful less anxiety as the regular season moves closer. He’s going to make mistakes as a rookie, and he might get put on skates at some point this year or get burned by a pass rush move. How he responds, and if it’s a rare occurrence, is what you have to watch for.
Justin Skule
But Darrisaw is back? Who cares? Everyone should care. Darrisaw seems to be on the fast track coming back from a knee injury last year. However, if he has any tweaks, soreness, or doesn’t seem fully back into football shape, Skule will be hitting the field. Although he may face some backup players this weekend, it still gives us an idea of what he can do.
The Vikings are very cautious when it comes to injuries and making sure guys are back to as close to 100% as they can be. If Darrisaw has a concern, they will pull him, and the discussion will quickly shift to his backup’s abilities. We want to see Skule perform at his best so that if he does go in, we don’t notice. Remember: when it comes to offensive linemen, it’s when we never hear their name that we know they’re playing well.
Michael Jurgens
Similar to Darrisaw, Kelly is coming off an injury and has had a few over the years. He’s only played a full season a few times in his career, and if he goes down again, Jurgens has to come in and keep things going in a positive direction. We haven’t seen much from the 2nd-year player, and that amount of unknown is frightening to think about.
Jurgens will get plenty of play in the next few weeks as Kelly will be quickly shelved in this game after a few series and won’t be back until the regular season opener at the Bears. Jurgens needs to have strong games to demonstrate that if the team needs to break the glass in an emergency, he is competent in the role.
Ben Yurosek
The undrafted rookie tight end is another player who might get tossed into the mix if there is an injury. Along with that, he might get significant playing time as the 3rd tight end on the team this year. With Johnny Mundt heading to the Jaguars, bringing his excellent blocking skills and surprisingly steady catching ability, this opens up an opportunity for Yurosek.
Gavin Bartholomew, whom the Vikings drafted, is injured, and the door is open for Yurosek to showcase his hands and the fact that he was the 2nd fastest tight end at the combine. Although he’s currently low in the standings, he could become a pivotal player this season. Fourth-year player Giovanni Ricci seems to be in close competition with him, and they both will have plenty of opportunities to shine the next three weeks.
Lucky Jackson
As I mentioned in a previous article, Jackson appears to be in the 4th wide receiver spot at this stage. With Justin Jefferson currently sidelined with a hamstring strain and Jordan Addison’s impending suspension for the first three games, all eyes will be on him to see if he can pick up any of the slack or have a breakout moment.
Jalen Nailor is firmly planted at WR3 at this time, so the two of them will be under the microscope. Jackson needs to be serviceable while Addison is out for the first three games. If Jefferson, Nailor, and TJ Hockenson are the primary targets, he can get the scraps and let fans know we have a deep enough wide receiver core. If he really shines in the preseason, though, he could put pressure on Nailor for the third spot.
Rondale Moore/Tai Felton/Jeshaun Jones
Moore came in with the draft clout. Felton is this year’s 3rd round pick. Jones has been making plays in camp. All three of these guys are fighting for the final wide receiver spot on the team. Moore is listed as the starting punt returner and Felton as the primary kick returner, but those special teams spots might not be enough to lock them into the team.
You need solid players in those spots, with the punt returner being even more vital with players running at you as opposed to the newer kick return formation that is a little less hectic. You have to be smart and sure-handed, along with being a quick thinker. If Moore has some good plays to put on tape that showcase his speed, then he may lock it down. However, Jackson is listed as his backup, and if he can handle punt return duties, he may push him off the roster unless Moore really shines on offense.
Jones has been making some splash plays in camp, but that has to carry into games. Felton will also have to show up strong on his offensive reps, or he might head to the practice squad.
Zavier Scott/Tre Stewart
Ty Chandler seems to have a weak grip on the 3rd running back spot. He will need to have strong games, specifically in the pass-blocking aspect, to stave off two hungry newcomers. Even though most thought the team would go after a running back in the draft, since it was considered historically deep at the position, they waited until undrafted free agency to take Stewart.
They felt that with veteran Aaron Jones and trading for Jordan Mason, they were set at the position, and those two would definitely be the starters. That third spot is essential, though, if a team can put in a change of pace back for specific packages or if there is an injury. Scott has gained some momentum in camp and could potentially bump Chandler if he becomes a more complete back. Add in that Felton is listed ahead of Chandler at the kick returner position as well.
Scott apparently has very soft hands out of the backfield, which makes him more of a threat. Stewart is a complete unknown at this spot, and it will be interesting to see if the team has found an undrafted free agent surprise on the offensive side of the ball.
Sam Howell
The Vikings traded for Howell to have a veteran presence behind McCarthy in case he floundered or got injured. So far, Howell hasn’t been putting in great work on the practice field, according to reports. While it may be due to Brian Flores’ stout defense, Howell may also be second-guessing himself too much, as has been his habit over the years.
Fans want to know that if he needs to come in the game, even for a short time, that he can keep the offense moving. Live game action may be just what he needs to break out of his camp slump and have fans give a sigh of relief that they can trust him in short stints.
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