Well, that was a wild day for news.
The Minnesota Vikings are now down to 53 players. The focus can shift toward that Week 1 Packers game. Who is going to be in the Vikings’ starting lineup? Glad you asked. Consider what things could plausibly look like rolling into the NFC North battle on Sunday, September 13th.
Oh, and for the record, neither of Kevin O’Connell nor Nolan Teasley asked for my opinion. They know how to reach me if they’re interested in my advice.
Projecting the Vikings’ Starting LineupThe Vikings’ OffenseAug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) talks with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and head coach Kevin O’Connell before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesLT Christian DarrisawLG Donovan JacksonC Blake BrandelRG Will Fries RT Brian O’NeillQB Kyler MurrayRB Jordan MasonWR Justin JeffersonWR Jauan JenningsTE T.J. HockensonWR Jordan Addison— READ MORE: Vikings Cuts Start Piling Up as Deadline Nears —
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Part of what makes the Vikings compelling is the promise to be more multiple than in the past.
TE2 Josh Oliver is going to demand playing time (rightfully so; he’s awesome). So is rookie FB Max Bredeson (rightfully so; he’s awesome). Seeing Oliver, Bredeson, and Jennings all blocking on a Mason run is going to be a good football moment. Could Chaz Chambliss somehow get worked into the mix?
Coach O’Connell would be wise to figure out how to run the ball.
The Vikings’ DefenseDec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) tackle Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn ImagesEDGE Andrew Van GinkelDT Jalen RedmondDT Levi Drake RodriguezEDGE Dallas TurnerLB Eric WilsonLB Blake CashmanCB Isaiah RodgersS Josh MetellusS Theo JacksonCB Byron MurphyCB James PierreSimilar to the offense, the Vikings’ defense is going to be multiple.
Expect rookie DT Domonique Orange and LB Jake Golday to earn significant workloads. Likewise, S Jacob Thomas is on an upward trajectory, but we’ll see what that means as a rookie. After all, he’s an undrafted talent who has already done much to overcome the odds.
Questions: who gets to start alongside Metellus? What does 2026 look like for Caleb Banks?
The Vikings’ Special TeamsNov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) kicks a field goal out of the hold of punter Ryan Wright (17) against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesK Will Reichard P Brett ThorsonLS Andrew DePaolaNothing to see here, folks.
Where there’s some mystery is at returner. Myles Price will be the PR1. Does Tai Felton get leaned on as the PR2 if there’s an injury?
As for kickoff return, the candidates consist of Price, Felton, Demond Claiborne, Dillon Bell, and maybe some others. A job to watch.
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