The Minnesota Vikings are just days away from setting their initial 53-man roster, and the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos will be the final opportunity for several players to make their case. Tyler Forness breaks down five Vikings players and position battles to watch before Minnesota makes its final roster decisions. The preseason finale will not feature Justin Jefferson, Dallas Turner, Kyler Murray or many of Minnesota's top players. Instead, this game is about the players fighting for roster spots, practice squad opportunities and chances to earn opportunities elsewhere in the NFL. The first player to watch is quarterback Max Brosmer. Brosmer was one of Minnesota's better training camp stories last year after joining the team as an undrafted free agent, but his two starts came in difficult circumstances. Now entering the preseason finale as the Vikings' fourth quarterback, Brosmer needs to show he can continue developing within Kevin O'Connell's offense and prove he can be a reliable developmental option. The running back battle between Zavier Scott and rookie Demond Claiborne is another important storyline. Scott has already shown flashes, including his touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, but his path to the roster depends on the details. Special teams value and pass protection could ultimately determine whether he earns another spot on Minnesota's roster. At wide receiver, Dillon Bell and Dontae Fleming are competing for a potential sixth receiver spot. Bell entered training camp with plenty of hype after impressing during the offseason program, while Fleming has showcased value as both a receiver and return option. The preseason finale could determine which player separates himself. The linebacker room remains one of the most fascinating areas on Minnesota's roster. Ivan Pace Jr. has improved throughout training camp, but young players like Jacob Roberts and Bangally Kamara have created a difficult numbers problem. Tyler explains why Pace's roster spot could still be a storyline despite strong preseason performances. Finally, the Vikings could get their first look at rookie safety Jacoby Thomas. The third-round pick missed Minnesota's first two preseason games because of injury, making this final matchup his first opportunity to showcase his skill set before the regular season begins. Tyler Forness breaks down the biggest things Vikings fans should watch for against Denver and the roster decisions that could follow. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings for Vikings news, roster projections, training camp coverage and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #SKOL #NFL #VikingsRoster 0:00 Vikings Preseason Finale Preview 0:41 Why This Game Matters For Bubble Players 1:07 Max Brosmer's Final Opportunity 3:11 Zavier Scott vs Demond Claiborne 4:16 Dillon Bell vs Dante Fleming 6:09 The Vikings' Fascinating Linebacker Battle 7:22 Jakobe Thomas Makes His Debut 8:52 Other Vikings Position Battles To Watch Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

The Minnesota Vikings are approaching one of the toughest parts of the NFL calendar, and several notable players still have plenty to prove before Minnesota settles on its initial 53-man roster. Tyler Forness breaks down five Vikings players firmly on the roster bubble and explains why some surprising names could be in danger when Minnesota makes its final cuts. The conversation starts at running back with Zavier Scott. Scott earned a spot on Minnesota's initial 53-man roster last season and appeared in 16 games, but the Vikings added rookie Demond Claiborne in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Scott's experience as a receiver gives him useful versatility, but his clearest path to sticking may come through special teams, pass protection and all of the smaller responsibilities that determine the final spots on an NFL roster. At wide receiver, undrafted rookie Dillon Bell remains one of Minnesota's most interesting developmental players. Bell generated considerable buzz during the offseason program, but his training camp has been quieter. With Justin Jefferson and the rest of Minnesota's receiver depth chart taking shape, Bell may need a strong final preseason performance especially on special teams to convince the Vikings to keep a sixth receiver. Then comes one of the biggest surprises: Ivan Pace Jr. Pace has been a productive piece of Brian Flores' defense and Tyler believes he has actually improved in coverage and lateral movement this summer. The problem isn't necessarily his performance. It's roster construction. Minnesota has young options throughout a deep linebacker room, and Tyler examines whether salary and roster math could put Pace in more danger than most Vikings fans expect. One of those younger linebackers is Jacob Roberts, who has taken advantage of his preseason opportunities. Roberts recorded an interception against the New York Giants and followed it with another impressive performance against Baltimore. His tackling, gap discipline and movement in coverage could give Minnesota a difficult decision entering the final preseason game. Finally, Tyler examines veteran safety Theo Jackson. With Jay Ward emerging and rookie Jakobe Thomas joining an already deep Vikings safety room, Jackson could become a surprise cut or trade candidate. Tyler explains why Jackson's struggles fitting the run and lack of positional versatility could make his roster spot less secure than expected. The Vikings still have their final preseason game against the Denver Broncos before the NFL's 53-man roster deadline, meaning Zavier Scott, Dillon Bell, Ivan Pace Jr., Jacob Roberts and Theo Jackson still have opportunities to change the equation. Tyler Forness breaks down who is truly on the bubble, what each player needs to prove and which Vikings roster decisions could surprise fans. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings for Vikings news, roster projections, training camp analysis and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #SKOL #NFL #VikingsRoster 0:00 Vikings Roster Cuts Are Almost Here 0:58 Zavier Scott Is Fighting For A Spot 2:21 Dillon Bell's Uphill Battle 4:00 Could The Vikings Cut Ivan Pace Jr.? 5:36 Jacob Roberts Is Making A Push 6:48 Could Jacob Roberts Force His Way Onto The 53? 7:08 Theo Jackson Could Be A Surprise Cut 8:18 Why Jackson's Versatility Is A Concern 8:40 Final Vikings Roster Bubble Verdict Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

J.J. McCarthy's future with the Minnesota Vikings has reached an uncomfortable point, and Tyler Forness believes Minnesota needs to seriously consider moving on from its former first-round quarterback. The Vikings selected McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft with the hope that he could eventually become the long-term quarterback for a roster built around Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, Jordan Addison and one of the NFL's most respected offensive coaching staffs. Two years later, that plan has not developed the way Minnesota hoped. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after suffering a knee injury, then endured an inconsistent and injury-filled 2025 season. In 10 starts last year, McCarthy completed 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while posting a 72.6 passer rating. Now Kyler Murray has won Minnesota's 2026 starting quarterback competition, leaving McCarthy's role and potentially his future with the Vikings uncertain. Tyler examines how Minnesota reached this point and why he believes the relationship may be nearing its conclusion. The discussion begins with McCarthy's original evaluation coming out of Michigan. He showed athleticism, arm talent and an ability to deliver in high-leverage moments, but his college experience also provided a relatively limited passing sample compared with several other quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft class. Tyler then looks at McCarthy's development in Minnesota. Injuries prevented him from gaining normal on-field experience during his rookie year, and his first season as a starter included dramatic highs, difficult stretches and multiple additional injuries. There is also a larger question surrounding consistency. Recent national reporting has raised questions about McCarthy's day-to-day development and whether Minnesota has been able to establish the consistency required from an NFL starting quarterback. Tyler explains why those concerns matter, while also acknowledging that the Vikings coaching staff cannot be completely removed from responsibility for how McCarthy's development unfolded. But Minnesota's current roster changes the equation. The Vikings are trying to win now, Kyler Murray has already been named the starting quarterback, and Tyler believes continuing to devote significant resources to McCarthy may no longer make sense for either side. Does Minnesota still have enough reason to keep developing J.J. McCarthy? Should the Vikings trade him if another NFL team offers value? Or has the time already come for Minnesota to cut its losses? Tyler Forness breaks down why he believes the Vikings and J.J. McCarthy may be heading toward a separation and why a fresh start could ultimately be better for both sides. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings for Vikings news, roster analysis, quarterback coverage and reaction throughout the 2026 NFL season. #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #JJMcCarthy #SKOL #NFL 0:00 An Uncomfortable J.J. McCarthy Conversation 0:32 How Things Changed So Quickly 0:58 Why Tyler Thinks McCarthy Is Unplayable 1:41 McCarthy's Biggest Pre-Draft Question 2:08 Comparing The 2024 QB Class 2:58 The Original Vikings-McCarthy Plan 3:48 Minnesota Gave McCarthy A Good Situation 4:34 Why The Perfect Fit Never Worked 5:00 Did Adversity Change McCarthy's Development? 5:18 The Injuries Begin To Pile Up 6:21 McCarthy's Inconsistent 2025 Season 6:48 Concerning Reports About His Development 7:38 How Much Blame Does The Coaching Staff Deserve? 8:26 Kevin O'Connell's Young QB Philosophy 8:45 Is A Vikings-McCarthy Divorce Coming? 9:29 Why Tyler Thinks Minnesota Should Move On 10:13 Final Verdict On J.J. McCarthy Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

Dallas Turner may be turning into the breakout star the Minnesota Vikings have been waiting for. The Vikings wrapped up their second and final joint practice against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, and Tyler Forness came away increasingly convinced that Turner is primed for a huge 2026 season after another dominant performance against Baltimore's offensive line. Turner repeatedly created problems for Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley, winning around the edge, converting speed into power and showing how far his pass-rush development has come entering his third NFL season. Tyler explains why Turner's impact shouldn't necessarily be measured by whether he reaches an enormous individual sack total in Brian Flores' defense and why his emergence could make an already dangerous Vikings pass rush even more difficult to handle. Turner wasn't alone. Eric Wilson was seemingly everywhere during Thursday's practice as a run defender, blitzer and pass rusher, while Elijah Williams continued his impressive training camp by holding up at the point of attack and creating disruption along the defensive line. The Vikings secondary also produced one of the most interesting developments of the entire practice. Jay Ward continues to make a strong case for a significantly larger role in Minnesota's defense. Ward recorded an interception and pass breakup during Thursday's work, but Tyler believes the bigger story is his versatility. Ward can play near the line of scrimmage, blitz, drop into coverage and move around the Vikings secondary giving Brian Flores a player who can potentially fill some of the responsibilities Harrison Smith handled for years. That doesn't mean Ward is Harrison Smith. But stylistically, Tyler believes Minnesota may already have a player capable of helping replace what Smith brought to the defense. There was encouraging news at quarterback, too. J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray both improved after a difficult first joint practice. McCarthy still threw an ugly pick-six, but he responded with several quality throws and helped lead another successful two-minute drive that ended with a Demond Claiborne touchdown. Murray also moved his group into position for Will Reichard to kick a game-winning field goal. Finally, Tyler explains one concern worth monitoring with rookie cornerback Charles Demmings. Demmings has been one of Minnesota's best training camp stories, but his aggressive physical style could become an issue if it leads to penalties once the regular season begins. Tyler Forness breaks down everything he learned from Day 2 of Minnesota Vikings-Baltimore Ravens joint practices and what it could mean for the Vikings entering the 2026 NFL season. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings for Vikings news, training camp coverage, roster analysis and reaction throughout the 2026 season. #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #SKOL #NFL #DallasTurner 0:00 What Vikings Learned From Ravens Joint Practices 0:59 J.J. McCarthy Responds After Rough Day 1 2:04 Kyler Murray Delivers In Two-Minute Drill 2:23 Vikings Defense Steals The Show 2:35 Dallas Turner DOMINATES 3:17 Why Sack Totals Don't Tell The Whole Story 4:06 Eric Wilson Was Everywhere 4:53 Vikings Defensive Line Keeps Impressing 5:03 Jay Ward Could Replace Harrison Smith 6:27 Why Ward Is Ready To Start 6:43 Charles Demmings Has One Concern 8:05 Final Vikings Takeaways Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

Dallas Turner continues to look like a potential breakout star for the Minnesota Vikings, and his performance during the first joint practice against the Baltimore Ravens gave Tyler Forness even more reason to believe a huge season could be coming. The Vikings wrapped up Day 1 of joint practices with Baltimore with plenty to discuss on both sides of the football. Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy each had difficult stretches against the Ravens defense, including multiple interceptions, but both quarterbacks responded in the two-minute drill. Murray finished his drive with a touchdown to Justin Jefferson, while McCarthy connected with Myles Price for a deep score. Neither quarterback separated himself during the practice, making Day 2 against Baltimore an important opportunity to see how both adjust after getting their first look at the Ravens defense. The biggest story, however, continues to be Dallas Turner. Turner has consistently impressed throughout Minnesota Vikings training camp, and Tyler explains why the way Turner is winning matters just as much as the results. His length, athleticism, ability to bend around the edge, power and versatility in Brian Flores' defense are all showing up. The question now is whether Turner can translate those encouraging practice performances into a true breakout NFL season. There were also several intriguing developments elsewhere on the Vikings defense. Rookie cornerback Charles Demmings continues to earn opportunities with Minnesota's top defensive groups and got valuable work against Baltimore's receivers. Jay Ward made another impact play with an interception, while the Vikings' defensive backfield had a strong overall performance. And don't overlook Elijah Williams. Williams continues to build on an impressive developmental stretch that began during his rookie season. Against Baltimore, the defensive lineman flashed his versatility with a three-play sequence that included two tackles for loss and a drop into coverage. His continued emergence could make him a legitimate rotational piece on Minnesota's defensive line and potentially give the Vikings another option while rookie Caleb Banks develops. Tyler Forness breaks down the biggest winners, concerns and developments from Day 1 of Minnesota Vikings-Baltimore Ravens joint practices and explains what he'll be watching when the teams return for Day 2. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings for Vikings news, training camp analysis, roster breakdowns and NFL coverage throughout the 2026 season. #MinnesotaVikings #Vikings #SKOL #NFL #VikingsTrainingCamp 0:00 Vikings-Ravens Joint Practice Takeaways 0:24 Kyler Murray & J.J. McCarthy Struggle 1:05 Both Vikings QBs Bounce Back 1:46 Dallas Turner Continues To Dominate 3:17 Why Turner's Breakout Can Translate 3:55 Charles Demmings Keeps Impressing 4:55 Vikings Secondary Makes Plays 5:35 Don't Sleep On Elijah Williams 6:44 Biggest Takeaway From Day 1 Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

The Minnesota Vikings' edge rusher depth is becoming a major concern, and after what we saw against the New York Giants, Minnesota may need to look outside the current roster for an answer. Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel give the Vikings an excellent starting duo, but the depth behind them remains a serious question. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins offers intriguing versatility and power, but his preseason performance showed why relying on him as Minnesota's primary No. 3 edge rusher could be a problem. Tyler Forness breaks down what went wrong and examines four potential additions who could give Brian Flores another legitimate weapon. In this video: Why the Vikings have a problem behind Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel What the Giants game revealed about Minnesota's edge depth Where Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins can still contribute Whether Minnesota should explore a Kayvon Thibodeaux trade What Thibodeaux could cost the Vikings Why Joey Bosa could make sense as a rotational veteran A potential reunion between Brian Flores and Kyle Van Noy Whether Haason Reddick could revive his career in Minnesota Why the Vikings need someone capable of handling 400500 snaps The urgency behind fixing the EDGE3 position before the regular season The Vikings don't necessarily need another superstar. They need a dependable third edge rusher who can create pressure, handle meaningful snaps and keep Turner and Van Ginkel from carrying the entire workload. Which option would you choose: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Joey Bosa, Kyle Van Noy or Haason Reddick? Let us know in the comments. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

J.J. McCarthy's Vikings future is becoming one of Minnesota's biggest questions after a difficult preseason performance that showed why Kyler Murray won the starting quarterback job. The Vikings picked up a 1310 preseason win, and Murray's lone drive looked clean and controlled. But much of the attention afterward belongs on McCarthy. The former No. 10 overall pick finished 4-of-7 for 34 yards, and Tyler Forness saw continued concerns with his mechanics, processing, pocket comfort and ability to consistently deliver the football. There were positive moments, including a strong throw to Ty Felton that was dropped, but the bigger picture raises uncomfortable questions about where McCarthy fits in Minnesota going forward. In this video: What went wrong for J.J. McCarthy Why his mechanics remain concerning McCarthy's issues processing pressure and seeing the field Why Kyler Murray looked more comfortable running the offense Whether McCarthy has lost confidence Kevin O'Connell's role in McCarthy's development Why a fresh start could eventually benefit both sides Minnesota's growing QB2 problem What McCarthy's performance means for his Vikings future The Vikings invested heavily in McCarthy when they selected him in the first round, but can this relationship still work? Or would both sides eventually be better off moving on? Let us know what you think in the comments. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

Kyler Murray's Vikings debut gave Minnesota its first real look at the new starting quarterback running Kevin O'Connell's offense, and there was plenty to like despite Murray playing just one drive. Murray led the Vikings on a 10-play, 54-yard possession that ended with a Will Reichard field goal. The numbers weren't spectacular, but his comfort operating under center, decision-making and ball placement provided some encouraging signs for what Minnesota's offense could look like this season. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

The Minnesota Vikings open the preseason against the New York Giants, and several important roster questions are finally about to get real answers. Tyler Forness previews the Vikings first preseason game and breaks down the players and position battles to watch, beginning with newly named starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray is expected to get valuable reps with Minnesotas first-team offense as he continues building chemistry with Justin Jefferson and the rest of Kevin OConnells weapons. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings

J.J. McCarthy has lost the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback job to Kyler Murray, leaving major questions about what comes next for the former first-round pick. Tyler Forness breaks down why Murray gives the Vikings a better chance to win right now, the processing issues that continue to hold McCarthy back, and whether McCarthy entered the NFL before he was truly ready. Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more VIKINGS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #minnesotavikings #vikings #vikingsfootball #nfl #skolvikings