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 rookie class delivered in a 20-10 preseason win over Houston, with four of five picks taking the field. Gavin Bartholomew sat on the PUP list, but the rest of the rookie contingent flashed in limited action, led by Max Brosmer’s poised showing at quarterback and Tai Felton’s two-catch, first-down drives plus a notable punt-coverage moment. On defense, Kobe King and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins logged solid snaps, while Silas Bolden and Tyler Batty offered intriguing special-teams and situational looks. The results hint at depth battles to watch as roster cut days approach.

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant progress in signing their 2025 NFL Draft class, finalizing agreements with four out of five draft picks. This includes third-round pick Tai Felton (Maryland), sixth-round choices Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew, and fifth-round pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The last unsigned player is first-round pick Donovan Jackson, who is likely to secure a starting position at left guard upon signing. Jackson is poised to take over for Blake Brandel, given his higher draft value and skill set.

The Vikings expressed excitement over the potential contributions of their new recruits, especially during the upcoming minicamps, where roles will begin to solidify. Felton, Jackson, and Bartholomew are expected to compete for various positions, setting the stage for a dynamic training camp as they integrate into the team's strategy for the season.

The Minnesota Vikings made a strategic impact in the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on key team needs with five well-chosen picks. Their first-round selection of Donovan Jackson, a versatile guard, addresses the offensive line's struggles highlighted by coach Kevin O'Connell after the playoff exit. Jackson is expected to start from day one following his solid collegiate career.

In the third round, the Vikings picked Tai Felton, a wide receiver who brings dynamic playmaking ability to challenge existing depth. Their fifth-round pick, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, is seen as a potential future star despite limited college production. Meanwhile, the sixth-round selections of Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew show promise for added depth at linebacker and tight end, respectively. Overall, if the class can yield two starters and a few contributors, it will be deemed a success.