As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for their preseason finale, several roster spots remain in the air. Due to the team’s aggressive actions in the free agent market, most of the starter spots were wrapped up before training camp started. But injuries, a trade, a suspension, and performances good and bad have brought increased competition to a few roster spots.

While having your starting lineup set as you approach the upcoming season is optimal, it’s those depth positions that can make or break a football team. Whether they be outstanding special teams’ contributors or those players that need to step in for an injured starter, choosing these supporting positions correctly is very important over the long haul of a season. Here are the position battles to watch out for tonight as the Vikings take on the Tennessee Titans.

Vikings Position Battles

Offense

Second and Third Quarterback Roster Spots

Two things are certain about the 2025 Vikings quarterback situation. One, J.J. McCarthy is unquestionably the No. 1 QB on the roster. And two, Max Brosmer has made a mess of things. Predicted to be a shrewd practice squad retainee, Brosmer’s play has catapulted him into the backup quarterback conversation. From the outset, he has been respected for his intelligence and leadership abilities. But his coolness under pressure and accurate passing have given Minnesota coaches and fans a pause on the Sam Howell second-string signal-caller coronation.

Last Two Wide Receiver Positions

The battle for the last three Vikings’ wide receiver spots behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jailor Nailor has been a case of no one bringing their A-game to seize the opportunity. Given his status as a third-round draft choice, Tai Felton will most likely be penciled in behind Nailor.

But the group of Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones, Thayer Thomas, Tim Jones, and Silas Bolden have been unremarkable and have not broken free from the pack. With three scintillating returns last week, Myles Price is on track to earn a roster spot as the primary kick and punt returner. And many people believe that with Addison’s three-game suspension and Nailor’s lingering hand injury, the Vikings are shopping for some veteran depth (can anyone say Adam Thielen) for this unit.

Third Running Back

This competition may well be over, as Zavier Scott has outplayed Ty Chandler by a wide margin this fall. Chandler might be the superior runner, but he has never grasped the other components of what the team needs from the third running back position. Scott appears to be more versatile on offense and also contributes on special teams. Barring a spectacular game against the Titans, Chandler may be another casualty of the Vikings’ lost 2022 NFL Draft.

Last Offense Line Position

This battle is predicated on the belief that the Vikings will carry nine and not 10 offensive linemen on their active roster. The five starters are shoo-ins, and Michael Jurgens is the only backup center, and Blake Brandel is capable of playing either guard or tackle. Justin Skule and Walter Rouse should earn spots as the swing tackles, leaving guard Joe Huber and tackle Logan Brown on the bubble. If they do roster 10 linemen, bet on the Wisconsin grad Huber to make it under the wire.

Defense

Interior Defensive Line

This quagmire was cleared up somewhat this week with the trade of Harrison Phillips to the Jets. Locks for the roster include free agent pickups Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, as well as the ever-improving Jalen Redmond at the nose tackle position. Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram -Dawkins have had outstanding camps.

Taki Talmani might escape the bubble, as he is the logical backup to Redmond at the nose. But unheralded Elijah Williams has turned heads as of late, putting these final spots in play. Could the Vikings retain seven interior defensive linemen on their active roster? We’ll see.

Cornerback

Starters Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rodgers, and nickelback Jeff Okudah are assured their spots when the Vikings break camp. Then we have the group that includes Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, Ambry Thomas, and Zemaiah Vaughn fight for the final two to three roster spots. The Vikings would like to see 2023 third-round pick Blackmon return to form, but he has been slowed by the torn ACL that cost him the entire 2024 season. There’s also the spectre of the Vikings pursuing a free-agent corner to provide them more veteran depth at the position.

Safety

Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and the continually improving Jay Ward are locks to make the roster. However, with Metellus playing all over the field at his monsterback position, do the Vikings feel the need to carry a fifth safety? If they do, watch the battle between Tavierre Thomas and Kahlef Hallassie tonight to see if one has the edge over the other.

Punter

Finally, the battle that has been raging all camp long. Incumbent Ryan Wright against rookie Oscar Champman. Wright’s issues with his accuracy have been well documented, and his advantage as the more experienced holder for placekicker Will Reichard has narrowed considerably with Champman’s success in this area. And the rookie puts some wild spins on his punts that not only make them harder to return but also to handle cleanly. Give the edge to Chapman so far.

A Look Ahead

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will have some difficult decisions to make come cutdown day next Tuesday. With the wealth of talent on this team, many players who cannot crack the 53-man roster will be prime targets for other teams. Also, with the salary savings they earned in the Phillips trade, will Minnesota use that money to solidify the wide receiver and/or cornerback positions? Let’s check back next week to find out.