Adam Thielen returns to Minnesota and reunites with Justin Jefferson, but the dynamic has shifted. Jefferson has grown into a louder, more vocal leader, while Thielen slides into a veteran role and learns the new offense again from his former pupil. Fantasy managers should still ride Jefferson’s target monster, but Thielen could remain a steady, lower‑volume contributor as the offense pivots around the star receiver.

Myles Price seizes a key role on special teams, taking over as the Vikings’ top punt and kickoff returner after Rondale Moore’s preseason injury, while Jefferson’s presence and leadership shape the locker room. Randy Moss publicly discussed his cancer battle and remission, adding a human element to off‑season chatter. Overall, the Jefferson‑Thielen reunion is less about competition and more about evolved leadership and steady floor for fantasy managers.

The Vikings’ shock move of trading Harrison Phillips to the Jets for two future picks is a cap-and-depth play, not a panic. Phillips started every game since 2022 and became a locker-room anchor, but Minnesota’s defensive line depth is formidable with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in the mix. The cap relief ($3.7M this year, $7.5M next year) and extra draft capital could be directed toward a wideout, especially with Rondale Moore out, Jalen Nailor hurt, and Jordan Addison’s suspension in the first three games. A lower-cost receiver—Thielen, Bourne, or Polk—could reunite with McCarthy’s offense, addressing week-by-week depth while preserving future flexibility.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Week 2 preseason drop against New England spotlighted the bubble players who could shape the 53-man roster. Max Brosmer displayed command and composure in his reps, repeatedly threading drives and closing with accuracy on extended plays. The performance nudges him toward a real shot at making the active roster behind the top quarterbacks this season.

Myles Price flashed his value as a return specialist, logging two punt returns for 33 yards and a kickoff for 81, building a case for primary return duties after Rondale Moore’s season-ending injury. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins flashed as a disruptive defender, timing a tackle-for-loss and pressuring Josh Dobbs on a critical 4th-and-goal play. On the downside, Sam Howell sputtered, and the rest of the camp standouts—Lucky Jackson and Ty Chandler—showed mixed returns, fueling debates about depth at wide receiver and running back as rosters shrink.

The Vikings face a meaningful WR depth question after Saturday’s 20-12 loss to New England, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison sidelined and Jalen Nailor inactive. Myles Price, an undrafted rookie, flashed speed on returns but battled drops and a confusing line call penalty that wiped an 18-yard grab. Minnesota is evaluating several receivers—Lucky Jackson, Tim Jones, Jeshaun Jones—as potential roster contenders while Price works to lock down a role. With Addison suspended three games and Jefferson dealing with a hamstring issue, depth behind the top two is imperative for Week 1.

Price supplied a jolt on special teams, including an 81-yard kickoff return, but the coaching staff remains unsure who steps into the Week 1 target share. The Vikings also rotated through returners as coach Kevin O’Connell praised Reichard’s kicking and noted Felton’s upside with experience. Meanwhile, Patriots veterans with Minnesota ties—Stefon Diggs’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium, and ex-Vikings linemen Bradbury, Lowe, Tonga making returns—added context to a game that underscored depth questions for Minnesota and the ongoing evaluation ahead of the Aug. 26 cutdown.

Two teams, two practices, one loud day at the TCO Performance Center as Minnesota and New England mixed energy with discipline. Mack Hollins punctuated the mood by sending a TD punt into the stands, a move that sparked the crowd without spiraling into trouble. Donovan Jackson’s downfield blocks fueled a standout sequence in the move-the-ball drill, highlighted by Aaron Jones breaking through the first level with help along the way. Minnesota plans to re-check Justin Jefferson’s workload after a mild hamstring issue, while Rondale Moore’s season-ending injury looms large, prompting Isaiah Rodgers to re-enter punt return rotation. Several Vikings veterans rested while Christian Darrisaw returned from ACL/MCL rehab, signaling progress toward a hopeful Week 1 status. The day included a late cherry: Jay Ward’s interception return in the two-minute drill, capping a competitive but controlled session. Off the field, Brian Asamoah II’s waiver to the Titans underscored the ongoing roster churn as teams ready for the next preseason tilt against the Patriots.