Vikings evaluate roster after preseason win over Giants

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants in their opening preseason game, giving coaches a clearer view of the roster ahead of joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterbacks Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz each managed the offense without major issues, with Wentz appearing as a potential backup. Safety Jacob Thomas, an undrafted rookie, earned the highest special-teams grade from PFF and recorded an interception, boosting his chances of making the roster. Fullback Max Bredeson and wide receiver Myles Price also posted solid snaps, while linemen Walter Rouse, Ryan Van Demark and Henry Byrd received high pass-protection grades.

"He was able to run the offense without any big hiccups and at least managed a scoring drive on the one drive he played," the analyst noted of Murray. "He showed he can run the offense well after he was given a half-game of snaps," the analyst added about Wentz. In contrast, safety Jamal Adams suffered a season-ending knee injury, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy displayed timing errors that may limit his future role. Offensive linemen Caleb Tiernan and Caleb Banks struggled with technique and penalties, while edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was criticized for failing to disengage from blockers. The report also mentioned solid but limited contributions from players such as Jake Golday, Jacob Roberts and others further down the depth chart. The Vikings will continue evaluations during the upcoming two-day joint practice session with the Ravens.