9 Vikings Offensive X-Factors to Watch vs. Patriots
We saw a lot in that first preseason game against the Texans. The worst part was the injuries to Rondale Moore and Zeke Correll, which ruled them out for the rest of the season — Moore possibly suffering an injury that could permanently affect his ability to stay healthy.
A look at nine Minnesota Vikings offensive X-factors to watch against the New England Patriots, including players aiming to make a strong preseason thumbprint.
Whether he’ll be back with the team next year, or with any team, remains to be seen. We all hope for the best for the young man. Correll’s injury wasn’t as devastating, and he could easily be back in the NFL next year, but the field of rookies and undrafted free agents will be deeper — making it harder for him to stand out. He seemed to be playing well until he got hurt.
What does this mean for this week?
“Next man up” is always the theme in sports when someone gets injured. This is where a team’s scouting department really gets judged.
I made some changes to the lineup from last week, due to injuries and because some players have solidified their spots. Donovan Jackson, for instance, doesn’t have much more to prove—if he even plays Saturday.
Vikings X-Factors on Offense vs. NE
Michael Jurgens
OK, he isn’t moving up the lineup as he was already slated as the backup to Ryan Kelly. Since the Vikings didn’t bring in anyone else this week to compete with him or take snaps, that tells us he’s firmly holding onto the backup position. Correll had an uphill battle here, but if he had played solidly, he could’ve made it to the practice squad or gotten picked up elsewhere.
Jurgens now has to prove he can be consistent against other backups and show that, if he needs to step in, the fanbase won’t panic. With Kelly’s injury history, the team will most likely scour camp cuts for a practice squad player at least.
Not having someone else to jump in at center for two more preseason games is interesting in the sense that he would be playing the entire game. The Vikings might have someone else on the roster that they’re going to try out at center.
Max Brosmer / Brett Rypien
File this under “Local Boy Does Good,” in old-timey newspaper talk. Everyone loves a local connection, especially with a player considered “one of us.” His one year as a Minnesota Golden Gopher was enough to put him in the family where we cheer for guys like Blake Cashman, CJ Ham, Adam Thielen, and Marcus Sherels simply because of their Minnesota ties.
Not only is there the local connection, but he also played very well last week against the Texans, adding to the stories that he’s having a great camp. Brosmer played well in joint practices against the Patriots on Thursday. Some are putting him a bit too high on the depth chart, saying maybe he should be QB2. But Sam Howell played just as well last week, which keeps Brosmer firmly in the third spot at best.
Add in Howell’s veteran experience, and I don’t see Brosmer being the second option on game day if JJ McCarthy has issues—physically or mentally. Brett Rypien definitely didn’t help himself last week and will need to shine in the next two games to keep Brosmer at arm’s length.
If Brosmer plays well this Saturday, Rypien might be released by Monday. We know the team likes Rypien, but this is a league of “What have you done for me lately?”
Ben Yurosek
Ben didn’t get many opportunities to shine as a pass catcher last week, but that’s not the full measure of a tight end. I watched some of his routes, and if he continues to develop, his size and speed could cause real problems for defenses.
He’s also a solid blocker and helped open holes for Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott last week. With TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver ahead of him, he’s fighting for the TE3 spot, which would get him on the field beyond just special teams. I really want to see what he can do with the ball in his hands. He may need this game to stay ahead of the next guy behind him.
Giovanni Ricci
I didn’t list Ricci last week because there wasn’t much buzz about him being brought in as a backup. However, he was very active in the Texans game, which means the team is taking a long look at the 3-year veteran.
For the most part, he lined up as an H-back (hybrid back), occasionally playing fullback and doing a great job lead-blocking for late-game runs. He didn’t have any stats as a pass catcher, but his blocking was on point. If he lands on the practice squad, he might be a guy who eventually takes Ham’s spot. I feel he’s Yurosek’s only real competition for TE3 and might even make a case to keep a fourth tight end if he keeps showing up positively on tape.
Lucky Jackson
Justin Jefferson won’t play until either next week’s joint practices with the Titans or the season opener against the Bears. Jordan Addison won’t be seen until Week 4 in Ireland due to his suspension.
Jackson had three catches last weekend and looked good as the third-string wide receiver behind Jalen Nailor. With Moore out for the season, the door is wide open for him to lock down the WR4 spot. Jackson has had a solid camp, and if Addison doesn’t play this weekend, he must take full advantage and catch as many passes as possible.
None of the other receivers fighting for this spot have shown they’re upgrades over him or Nailor. Jackson was also listed as Moore’s backup on punt returns and could use that to strengthen his case for WR4.
Tai Felton / Silas Bolden
Felton led the Big Ten in receptions and yards last year, yet we haven’t seen or heard much from him in camp or the last game. He had one fair catch on a punt return and caused a fumble as a gunner — which was impressive. Those small wins often keep drafted players around.
He’s trying to climb the depth chart, but he should be able to solidify the WR5 spot if he keeps making plays on special teams and performs well as a kick returner, where he’s listed as the starter. Silas Bolden is nipping at his heels. He’ll also get more chances on offense and as a punt returner—an area where he excelled in college.
Until Addison comes back, these two may be assured a spot unless a name with some clout becomes available in the next two weeks.
Zavier Scott / Ty Chandler / Tre Stewart
The rumors from training camp weren’t exaggerated when it came to Scott’s performance. Against the Texans, he was the story of the second half—routinely running through tackles, showing soft hands, and displaying toughness after contact. He fought for first downs at times.
Needless to say, he overshadowed Chandler in almost every way. Chandler didn’t have a bad game, but he didn’t stand out. He showed speed and receiving ability, but not the shiftiness or power that Scott did. If Scott has another strong game, Chandler will need to put more on tape for other teams to consider picking him up.
Stewart didn’t get many opportunities last week, so he’ll need to take advantage of every rep this week and next to even make the practice squad.
Joe Huber / Henry Byrd
Last week, I didn’t consider Huber a focal point, but this week, he’s gaining momentum. Huber was an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, and some thought he could’ve gone in the later rounds. While I watched him, I didn’t see much to get excited about—but also nothing negative. He played a solid game.
Reports started trickling out late last week, and after the game, it was noted that he’s gaining steam and might make the 53-man roster. Other than Henry Byrd, no one else has stepped up, with Blake Brandel able to play both guard and tackle (where he’s more suited), taking over the swingman for the offensive line.
Huber and Byrd now have an opportunity to lock in their spots before teams start releasing players that could bump them out.
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