The Vikings’ 53-man roster projection is laid out after roughly three weeks of camp and one preseason game, pointing to a competitive two‑week window before the Aug. 26 cutdown. The QB picture centers on J.J. McCarthy at the top with Sam Howell and Max Brosmer in the mix; Howell’s uneven practice could trigger a veteran backup option if Minnesota seeks flexibility behind the rookie. The running back group is busy with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason as the clear top duo, while X‑factor backs like Zavier Scott push Ty Chandler and Tre Stewart for the roster. Wideouts are thin with Addison suspended for three games and Jefferson leading a group that includes Nailor, Felton, Jackson, and Jones, with Silas Bolden pushing for return duties. Gavin Bartholomew’s back and Bartholomew’s placement on PUP create added depth questions at tight end, while T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver anchor a tight end room that could include Ben Yurosek. The offensive line appears solid with Darrisaw, O’Neill, Kelly, Brandel and Jurgens among returners, but Correll’s injury list opens an early swing‑tackle path for Skule. On defense, versatile Kahlef Hailassie has emerged at safety, with Flores valuing positional flexibility across linebackers Cashman, Pace Jr., Wilson, and Asamoah II, plus a ten‑guy defensive back group led by Harrison Smith, Metellus, Ward and Okudah. Special teams feature a tight contest at punter between Ryan Wright and Oscar Chapman, while the international spot belongs to Chapman. Minnesota’s joint practices with New England will be a key stage for final decisions.

Minnesota opened the 2025 preseason with a 20-10 win over Houston, and some veterans took the field to show off roster momentum. J.J. McCarthy looked composed in his first game action since last year, connecting with Jordan Addison on three completions for 33 yards and showing a pocket feel that could translate into expanded play-calling with Addison serving a three-game suspension. The run game offered more consistency, with Jordan Mason mixing in four carries for 20 yards and Zavier Scott stepping up with seven carries for 40 yards, helping fuel a major second-quarter drive. Minnesota’s offense totaled 83 rushing yards on 20 attempts, and an offense-wide 94-yard touchdown march highlighted improved ground work. The Vikings’ EDGE rotation also looked healthy, as Gabriel Murphy notched 1.5 sacks, Bo Richter pressured the pocket, and Tyler Batty’s disruptive play produced a deflection that Kahlef Hailassie converted into an interception. Taken together, the night offered a blend of proven veterans and burgeoning depth that could impact fantasy rosters, especially if Addison’s absence opens doors for McCarthy’s developing rapport with other pass-catchers and keeps the Vikings balanced on early downs.

Overall, the depth pieces impressed, hinting at a flexible offensive approach and a defense that can generate pressure even with a crowded edge group. The Texans posed a stout challenge in spots, but Minnesota’s ability to lean on multiple backs and a quarterback who looks comfortable under center signals a roster ready to adapt through the preseason and into the regular season. For fantasy managers, it’s a reminder to monitor McCarthy’s chemistry with Addison, watch who rises as the Week 1 backup options, and note the early-traveled players who could become viable streaming options in the Vikings’ offense while Addison serves his suspension.

J.J. McCarthy returned to the practice-field stage for Minnesota, guiding a clean first-drive field-goal march in his first game action in a year. He completed 4 of 7 for 30 yards and added 8 rushing yards across 12 snaps, benefiting from noticeably crisper pockets than seen in camp. Sam Howell followed, delivering a sharp first-half performance (11 of 13 for 105 yards) and scoring on a QB sneak, signaling the Texans’ backup plan has reason for cautious optimism.

Gabriel Murphy flashed as a disruptive defender with two sacks and four pressures in the first half, while Khalef Hailassie grabbed two fourth-quarter picks, underscoring Minnesota’s depth-chart intrigue. Rondale Moore’s Vikings debut flashed depth concerns on punt return, especially with Addison suspended and the rookie Price fumbling a snap. Max Brosmer sealed the 20-10 win with a late TD strike to a tight end before a botched snap ended his drive. These moments shape early fantasy risk and roster considerations, from McCarthy’s hold on the job to Moore’s knee of uncertainty.