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.

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.

J.J. McCarthy handled his first extended look against a top first-team defense with a blend of pace, poise and moments of pressure. He opened with a rough patch in one-on-ones but settled into seven-on-seven rhythm, finishing a two-minute drive with a throw to Addison and a scramble that kept the Vikings’ march alive. Coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s composure and leadership as a checkpoint in camp, signaling elevated expectations for his development and fantasy upside.

Drake Maye flashed the touch and accuracy that made him a high pick, threading quick-hitting passes and keeping plays alive against the Viking rush. He connected repeatedly with Stefon Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson, illustrating a capable Patriots attack that benefited from Garrett Bradbury’s presence at center and the guidance of Josh McDaniels. The day also highlighted veteran defenses’ adjustments and how rookie and veteran weapons might shape Week 1 expectations for both sides.

Addison and Maye linked on multiple angles, while Maye’s pocket mobility and quick decision-making underscored the Patriots’ upside this season. For fantasy managers, the mix of McCarthy’s development plus Maye’s flair and the surrounding supporting cast provides a clearer read on target distribution, offense cadence, and potential two-quarterback stack opportunities with a condensed early slate.

With Jordan Addison suspended for the start of the 2025 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings are in need of a reliable second receiver alongside superstar Justin Jefferson. Jalen Nailor, who held the No. 3 receiver spot last year, is poised to step up into a larger role. This transition presents an opportunity for Nailor to showcase his abilities and potentially become a key target in the offense, especially with Addison's absence.

The Vikings are banking on Nailor’s development to fill the production gap left by Addison, who was expected to play a significant role in the passing game. Given the dynamics of the Vikings’ offense and Nailor’s previous performances, this could be a pivotal moment for him as he seeks to establish himself as a dependable option for quarterback Kirk Cousins.