Justin Jefferson returned to Vikings practice for the first time since a July hamstring tweak, signaling a clear path toward full-speed Week 1 against Chicago. He emphasized leadership growth during rehab, spoke about the system clicks with J.J. McCarthy, and highlighted teammates like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson as progressions unfold. The session showed a cautious ramp with non-11-on-11 work, underscoring Minnesota’s plan to ease him in over three weeks before the opener while juggling several other injury notes across the roster.

Protein-sharp questions loom for fantasy: how fast Jefferson will reestablish his elite target share, how Addison’s role shifts with Jefferson back, and how the Vikings’ early-season ramp affects upside for multiple pass-cenders. Minnesota’s injury picture remains fluid, but Jefferson’s return is the headline upgrade with potential ripple effects for Addison, Hockenson, Nailor and the overall offense as Chicago awaits.

Gabe Murphy, the Vikings' undrafted UCLA edge rusher, erupted in Minnesota's Saturday preseason win, delivering two sacks and consistently pressuring Texans passers. After a rookie year largely spent rehabbing a knee, Murphy's offseason grind and a healthy camp are translating into game-ready explosiveness. He sits behind a deep group but is emerging as a potential rotational contributor, a storyline Kevin O’Connell has hovered over since the start of camp.

The Vikings also teased future depth pieces like Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a rookie with first-team reps who can play inside or on the edge, while Minnesota shuffled its line with guard Michael Gonzalez and a IR stint for Matt Nelson. The ensemble backdrop includes notable veterans and young players—Jefferson’s hamstring absences, Metellus’ return, and a wave of practice intensity heading into joint sessions with New England—setting up a high-stakes competition for Week 1 roles and fantasy upside.

Complicating the picture are Grayson Murphy, Gabe’s twin and Dolphins linebacker, Kedon Slovis’s Texans exposure, and a handful of veteran pieces who shape the Vikings’ rush strategy. The overall message: Murphy’s ceiling rises with continued production, Ingram-Dawkins’ versatility adds internal pressure, and the Vikings’ defensive depth could turn preseason momentum into real-season fantasy value.

The Minnesota Vikings' defense is poised for an impactful season as it enters Year 3 under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. With the return of key players like Andrew Van Ginkel and the addition of new talent, the team is aiming to enhance their unconventional defensive strategies. The players have expressed confidence in Flores' complex schemes, indicating a mastery of the system that allows for creative gameplay.

During training camp, players showcased their skills, with notable interceptions by linebackers Ivan Pace Jr. and Andrew Van Ginkel. The defense's adaptability and fluidity in coverage are evident, reflecting their increased comfort with the system. As they continue to integrate new personnel, the Vikings' defense is set to challenge opposing offenses in innovative ways.

The Minnesota Vikings are banking on their established stars like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, but eyes are also on rookie receiver Jordan Addison, who has been hailed as a pivotal building block moving forward. Analysts suggest that his potential to thrive alongside Jefferson could mirror the successful dynamic seen in Philadelphia with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. With both players capable of exceeding 1,065 receiving yards in a season, the Vikings may witness a potent aerial attack that could elevate their playoff hopes significantly.