As expected, the Vikings sat their offensive starters in Friday’s preseason finale in Tennessee. But they also didn’t play many of their second stringers, which left Minnesota largely trotting out its third teamers versus the Titans starters at the game’s outset in Nashville.
So, there wasn’t much knowledge to be gained via the first half off on-field action. But there were a few things of note that occurred.
Here are takeaways from the first half of Minnesota’s exhibition bout (the game ended before this edition went to print):
Was there ever a battle for the QB2 job?
Friday’s lineup choices would suggest otherwise. Sam Howell has struggled throughout training camp. And while he was electric in Minnesota’s preseason opener against Houston, he was uninspiring in last week’s showing against New England.
The persistent lack of performance caused many to wonder if Howell may be unseated as Minnesota’s next-in-line behind J.J. McCarthy under center.
But the fact Howell didn’t take a snap in Friday’s first half suggests he’s firmly entrenched in the No. 2 role.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, a Gophers product, got the start Friday and was solid considering the circumstances — leading a third-team offense against many of Tennessee’s defensive starters. Brosmer was poised and Minnesota’s early drives were derailed more by penalties than his play.
He eventually gave way to Brett Rypien before re-taking the reins for Minnesota’s final drive of the half, in which he led the Vikings far enough down the field where they could attempt, and miss, a lengthy field goal try.
Brosmer has been a fun focus for fans throughout camp, and he’s impressed in the preseason. It looks like he has the leg up on Rypien for the No. 3 position on the depth chart, which could earn him a spot on the roster.
Still, it looks as though, barring any moves between now and the season opener Sept. 8 in Chicago, Howell will be the backup quarterback in Minnesota, which ultimately makes sense considering his past history as a starting quarterback in Washington.
Receivers anywhere?
Van Jefferson has reportedly been in tight contention for a roster spot in Tennessee after an unimpressive camp. But the 29-year-old made a strong case to stay Friday, tallying three catches for 102 yards and a score in the first half.
The highlight of his night was a quick-out, in which Jefferson made the initial defender miss, then cut up field, hit his top gear and went 65 yards to the house for a score.
If Tennessee doesn’t want him, maybe Minnesota will.
The 29-year-old journeyman did have 50 catches for 802 yards and six scores in 2021, when he played for then-offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell for a Rams team that won the Super Bowl. The play he made in the second quarter Friday simply hasn’t occurred for any of the pass catchers down Minnesota’s depth chart.
It’s no secret at this point that Minnesota is in the market for receiving help as Jordan Addison is set to miss the first three games of the season while serving a league suspension and Jalen Nailor is suffering from a hand injury.
On Friday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the Vikings have inquired about acquiring the still-productive, 35-year-old Adam Thielen from Carolina in a potential reunion. But should the Panthers choose to keep the veteran wideout, Jefferson’s play is a reminder that there are plenty of other potentially available options who could bolster a room that hasn’t produced much of note over the past month.
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