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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, Dave Kluge, 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 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
With Kyler Murray secured as the team's Week 1 starter, the battle for the No. 2 quarterback is beginning to take shape. According to NBC Sports' Rivers McCown and Vikings beat writer Kevin Seifert, "McCarthy is an obvious trade candidate, and it would be surprising if he was higher than the third-team quarterback to open the season in Minnesota. One of these quarterbacks is more reliable than the other, and somehow that quarterback is Carson Wentz." Despite the limited reps available, Wentz has looked better, particularly in his timing with the offense, than McCarthy, who has a full year in this system under his belt. McCarthy did not play in the team's preseason game due to an ankle injury suffered in practice, and Murray also did not play. Wentz and Max Brosmer played in the game, with Brosmer going 20 of 35 for 165 yards and Wentz posting a modest 3 of 4 for 15 yards. The team elected to keep all four quarterbacks on their final regular-season roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been adamant throughout camp about establishing and leaning on a run game, but neither Jordan Mason nor Aaron Jones Sr. has been able to separate. Jones' injury concerns have forced the team to invest more in Mason, but Mason's inability to be a consistent pass-blocking option has limited his time with the first-team offense. Neither player appeared in the final preseason game against the Broncos, opening opportunities for Demond Claiborne and Jermar Jefferson. Claiborne had eight carries for 21 yards while Jefferson had six carries for 59 yards. The team has yet to name a starting running back entering the season but appears comfortable with a true one-two punch at the position. The team cut Xavier Scott and Jermar Jefferson on the final day of roster moves.
