Blake Cashman’s hamstring injury lands Minnesota on IR, forcing Eric Wilson into a bigger role with green-dot duties as the Vikings lean on leadership from the middle of the defense. Cashman targets an Oct. 19 return against Philadelphia, giving Wilson a four-game window to establish himself as the defensive signal-caller.

Ty Chandler’s knee injury sends him to IR for at least four games, with the Week 6 bye potentially stretching the absence. Special-teams tweaks put Zavier Scott, Tai Felton and Isaiah Rodgers in the mix as returners, while the Vikings promote Tim Jones and Nick Vannett to the active roster and monitor Oliver’s ankle and other practice-squad moves.

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.

Myles Price, undrafted from Indiana, earns the Vikings’ Week 1 starting role as kick and punt returner after a standout preseason. He brings explosive punt-return playmaking (289 yards last season; 65-yard return vs Washington) and a proven willingness to maximize opportunities on special teams. Bloomington-backed path to the pros could see occasional receiver looks, but price remains a return-centric fantasy consideration with upside in return-yard and possible score events.

For fantasy managers, Price’s primary value hinges on return work and any incidental offensive snaps. If he carves out a receiver role, his upside could rise in multi-position leagues, but the core driver remains his ability to generate return yards and potential return TDs in Minnesota’s early-season schedule.

Max Brosmer has emerged as the Vikings’ most active quarterback in August, logging the most preseason snaps of any Minnesota QB and keeping the door open on a 53-man roster spot or a practice squad bid. Through two preseason games, he’s shown poise, accuracy on the move, and the ability to lead a two-minute sequence, albeit with growing pains. The club is weighing whether to keep three quarterbacks on the active roster or roll with a more conventional QB group, making Brosmer a high-stakes development project for fantasy managers watching late-roster moves.

His two exhibition performances—47 yards and a TD on 5-of-8 in the fourth quarter vs. Houston, then 156 yards on 15-of-27 with an interception across two quarters vs. New England—underscore a roller-coaster arc: highlight throws, plus reads under pressure and a few missteps. O’Connell has praised his intelligence and work ethic, while Brosmer remains diligent, focused on what he can control and embracing every rep as a chance to prove he belongs at NFL speed.

Minnesota fell 20-12 to New England in a sloppy preseason game, but several players stood out in flashes. Sam Howell struggled in his latest shot at QB2, going 1-for-5 with an interception, underscoring the Vikings’ ongoing quarterback decision. Max Brosmer showed command of the offense, though his stat line (15-for-27, 156 yards, INT) didn’t blow the doors off. Indiana rookie Myles Price was the standout on special teams, flashing big-play potential with two punt returns for 33 yards and an 81-yard kickoff return that put the Vikings in scoring position. His mix of return chops and kick-coverage impact could push him onto the roster, while Brosmer’s steady leadership continues to intrigue at QB2. Price’s end-zone drop aside, the preseason themes were clear: special-teams versatility could tilt depth chart decisions, and QB rotation remains a work in progress for Minnesota.