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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 2
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy remains under intense scrutiny as the presumptive starting quarterback. After missing his rookie season due to injury, the 2024 first-round pick is navigating a steep learning curve in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Justin Jefferson urged patience, noting, "He's pretty much a rookie... still new to the scheme." While McCarthy showed early promise, ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported struggles in padded practices, with the offense gaining positive yards only once in an eight-play sequence against Brian Flores' defense. In the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, McCarthy went 4-of-7 for 30 yards in one series, earning praise from O'Connell for his "composure and poise." The depth chart lists Sam Howell as the No. 2 quarterback despite a slow camp, followed by Brett Rypien and rookie Max Brosmer, who threw a touchdown to Myles Price. McCarthy's poise offers hope, but his readiness for a full game remains untested.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Minnesota's backfield is shaping up as a committee, with the first unofficial depth chart listing Aaron Jones as the starter. O'Connell emphasized a shared workload to reporters, saying, "Maybe we activate some two-back groupings with Jordan and Aaron in the game at the same time." Jones, a veteran with a 5.6 yards-per-carry average and 51 receptions in 2024, sat out the preseason opener to stay fresh. Jordan Mason started, rushing for 20 yards on four carries and showcasing his physicality. Zavier Scott led with 40 yards on seven carries, displaying burst and vision that could secure him a rotational role. Ty Chandler struggled, gaining five yards on five carries against Houston's first-team defense. Jones remains the centerpiece, blending explosiveness and pass-catching ability, while Mason's power suits short-yardage situations. Scott's performance suggests third-down potential, and Chandler's speed offers a big-play threat, though his inconsistency raises questions.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Receiver depth will be tested early in the season. Jordan Addison's three-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy after a 2024 DUI sidelines him for Weeks 1-3. He told reporters in July, "Everything is out of my control right now, so whatever the league got for me, I'll be prepared, whatever decision they make." Addison remains eligible for camp and preseason. Jefferson, out with a hamstring strain, missed the preseason opener and has not practiced, but was seen with trainers on Wednesday. Jalen Nailor has taken the No. 2 receiver role, with Sports Illustrated's Will Ragatz noting he is "one of the primary targets for McCarthy during Jefferson's injury absence at training camp." Nailor led with three catches for 33 yards against Houston but has struggled with drops. Lucky Jackson, a former UFL receiver, is the No. 3 receiver with three catches for 30 yards. Rondale Moore, competing for a reserve spot, was carted off with a leg injury in the game.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson's health is the primary focus. An undisclosed injury sidelined him for early-week practices, though he returned to limited work Wednesday. The injury prompted the team to sign veteran Nick Vannett for depth, signaling concern about Hockenson's availability if the issue lingers. In the preseason opener, Hockenson played eight snaps but had no stats, reflecting a cautious approach to his recovery. The first "unofficial" depth chart lists Hockenson as the starter, with Josh Oliver as the primary backup, followed by pairings of Ben Yurosek or Giovanni Ricci and Bryson Nesbit or Vannett. Depth remains a question mark. Nesbit stood out as the only tight end with production, catching two passes for 14 yards.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Minnesota fans should be encouraged after Will Reichard made two field goals, including one from 48 yards, and two extra points in the preseason opener. Reichard struggled down the stretch in his rookie year, converting only 10 of his last 14 field goal attempts while battling a quad injury. He opened camp cold, missing five of his first 18 attempts, and has worked with two holders due to an ongoing punter competition. This week's performance is reassuring and keeps Reichard on the late-round kicker list.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Defensive play has been a consistent strength, drawing high praise from coaches and players. Byron Murphy II Jr. told NFL Network, "This defense is the best scheme I've ever played for." Inside linebacker Blake Cashman is making plays in both the run and pass game, including intercepting a pass from McCarthy. The unit gained reinforcements with Harrison Smith and Jonathan Allen returning to practice. In the preseason opener, the defense held Houston to 10 points and set the tone with physicality and speed. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon led with five tackles, showing range in coverage. Rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy recorded 1.5 sacks and consistently disrupted the backfield. The performance reinforced the unit's strong showing throughout camp and showcased the depth and versatility of Flores' aggressive scheme.
Preseason Updates: Returners
The Vikings surprisingly cut their star kickoff returner, Kene Nwangwu, right before the season last year. They then fell to 31st in average yards per return after ranking 6th, 4th, and 2nd the three years prior. They hope that rookie Tai Felton can turn things around in 2025. Meanwhile, Rondale Moore was scheduled to return punts but was carted off the field after a "significant" knee injury in the team's first preseason game. The roster is fairly inexperienced behind him; don't be surprised if the Vikings add another returner or two in the coming days.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy is steadily progressing through training camp, focusing on refining his skills week by week. After a 3-for-11 performance on red zone passes, McCarthy spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune, reflecting on the precision required in tight spaces: "Missing by inches, that’s what happens when you’re down in the red zone. You’ve got to be detail-oriented and really specific with where you’re putting the ball. But there were a lot of good things on tape ... just more great reps to put under my belt." Despite critical headlines, McCarthy remains optimistic about his development within the offense. He emphasized his focus on touch passes, stating, "Something I really wanted to work on was just those layer balls and being able to find my touch again, and I feel like I made some significant strides with that part of my game." The backup quarterback competition, however, is heating up with early concerns. Sam Howell, who has seen reps against the first-team defense, faltered in a recent practice. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported, "Sam Howell sailed a ball late over the middle to end practice. Would’ve been a Dallas Turner sack. Theo Jackson interception. The defense just spent multiple hours celebrating and dominating." Howell’s inconsistency has raised doubts about his candidacy for the No. 2 job. Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer have yet to make a strong case.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The backfield is shaping up as a dynamic duo, with a true 50/50 split in reps between Aaron Jones and recent trade acquisition Jordan Mason, as reported by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the media about the timeshare, highlighting the strategic advantage of the pairing: "We’ve got truly a combination that will cause a lot of problems, between having two great backs that are different body types, maybe different skill sets. But they’re complete backs. ... There’s a lot of things schematically that we’re going to try. And then, as we get towards the season, what gives us advantages?" O’Connell’s comments underscore the complementary styles of Jones, a proven veteran, and Mason, whose fresh addition brings a new dimension to the offense. Ty Chandler has solidified his role as the No. 3 back, providing depth and reliability. Meanwhile, Zavier Scott and Tre Stewart are locked in a competitive battle for a potential roster spot, with their performances in camp critical to earning a place on the final 53-man roster.
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