Justin Jefferson returned to practice for the first time in 25 days, but only in warmups and individual drills as Minnesota continues to manage his left hamstring. With a Week 1 date against Chicago looming and the Vikings’ wideout corps unsettled, Jefferson’s health is a cornerstone for fantasy projections. Jordan Addison will miss the first three games due to a suspension, lifting Jefferson’s early-season workload while Nailor recovers from a hand injury. Minnesota’s WR mix—veterans Tim Jones, Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas plus rookie Tai Felton—will be leaned on more heavily while Addison sits out.

Jefferson’s comments about wanting to be “in the mix” highlight his commitment, but the team’s cautious approach remains intact. Nailor’s status is listed as week-to-week, with surgery possibly on the table, leaving the Vikings to navigate a rotation that could elevate Jefferson’s target share early but also raises volatility for the offense. The Titans in the preseason finale and Chicago in Week 1 frame a rough but telling path for Minnesota’s passing game as it eyes elevated opportunities for its star and a deeper, perhaps more unpredictable, receiving corps.

Minnesota’s offense moved efficiently in the first half of a Chicago-like exhibition, with J.J. McCarthy efficiently feeding Jordan Addison on an opening flurry that produced a 3-0 lead on Reichard’s boot. Houston answered, led by Davis Mills, finishing a 14-yard connection to Braxton Berrios for a 7-3 edge. A late Vikings drive produced Sam Howell’s early involvement and a 1-yard Howell score after a series of big plays to Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones. The half closed with Minnesota up 13-7 after Reichard added a 38-yard field goal. A scary moment as Rondale Moore twisted a leg on a punt return clouded the scene, but Minnesota heads to the locker room with momentum and hidden depth on both sides of the ball. Fantasy angles lean toward McCarthy Addison pairing and Mills’ Texans tempo, with Murphy and Reichard quietly shaping kicker and pass-rush outlook.

J.J. McCarthy’s Vikings camp and one-dose preseason with Houston left the starter question unsettled. He went 4-of-7 for 30 yards, moved the offense enough to set up a field goal, and showed enough poise to keep Minnesota optimistic and nervous at the same time. The volume wasn’t there to erase doubt about his NFL readiness, but the tape suggested upside if he refines accuracy and balance under pressure.

Jordan Addison flashed late-game synergy with a diving 18-yard grab, while Lucky Jackson and Jordan Mason flashed as check-down and underneath options. Minnesota’s decision to roll with McCarthy over Sam Darnold remains a gamble; the unknowns around the rookie QB are the core fantasy takeaway as camp and further exhibitions unfold.

For fantasy managers, Addison’s floor could rise if McCarthy locks in reads, but the ceiling hinges on McCarthy's development and the Vikings’ surrounding weapons. The early signs are intriguing, but volatility remains until McCarthy proves he can drive a full NFL game plan.

The Minnesota Vikings' sixth day of training camp saw a notable performance from their defense, showcasing improvement under the leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The team donned pads for the first time, intensifying practice and allowing players to showcase their physical abilities. Notably, quarterback J.J. McCarthy continued to impress with a spectacular touchdown pass to Lucky Jackson, despite pressure from safety Theo Jackson. This marks a progressive step for McCarthy, who is demonstrating his potential in a competitive environment.

The defense, having struggled in previous sessions, asserted itself effectively, indicating a shift towards a stronger defensive presence this season. As the Vikings aim for a more balanced performance between their offense and defense, the emergence of promising players during these drills will be crucial in shaping their roster ahead of the upcoming season.