After an eventful last few months, the final matchup of the 2026 preseason is here for the Minnesota Vikings, and the team is even closer to their Week 1 showdown against the Green Bay Packers on September 13.
Heading into Friday's preseason finale against the Denver Broncos, most of the spots on Minnesota's roster are pretty set in stone, but there are still a handful up for grabs.
Of those final roster spots that are still being determined, which ones could be decided on Friday in the Vikings' last exhibition game of the year?
Minnesota Vikings roster battles that could be decided in the 2026 preseason finale vs. the Denver Broncos
Tight End No. 3
Ben Yurosek vs. Gavin Bartholomew
There's a two-man battle to determine who will be Minnesota's third tight end on the depth chart, and it is still very much up in the air.
Ben Yurosek is the incumbent who's being pushed by second-year man Gavin Bartholomew. It's still in question because neither contender has seized the spot this preseason.
Yurosek made the final 53-man roster in 2025, with about a dozen other UDFAs. He played well enough when needed on offense and also proved to be a solid special teamer.
Bartholomew missed his rookie season with a back injury but has looked good in camp, showing smooth route-running ability and soft hands. The problem is that it hasn't carried over into any preseason games, and he's mustered just one catch for 15 yards.
The Vikings have one more game to look at these guys against live competition. The decision will ultimately come down to whether they want to take a gamble on the one who is a more natural pass catcher and has more upside, or whether they roll with the man they are familiar with and know can get the job done when needed.
This week will give Minnesota that answer, and hopefully one of these guys will step up enough to make it an easy call.
Punter
Johnny Hekker vs. Bret Thorson
The punter position has been a battle that hasn't gotten nearly enough attention this preseason.
The Vikings signed Johnny Hekker in the offseason and then brought in undrafted rookie Bret Thorson to compete against him.
With one week left, the decision has yet to be made, and the team may be waiting for one more game to make that call.
The split in the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens last week was right down the middle. Hekker and Thorson rotated punts, and both did quite well.
Hekker had the opportunity to prove he still has a very live leg as he bombed a 65-yarder. Thorson didn't get that same chance but did pin the Ravens inside their own 15-yard line a couple of times.
Minnesota will need to decide if they want a veteran punter in a season where they can compete or if they are willing to roll with a rookie who could potentially be here for years, locking down the position the same way they solved the kicker spot with Will Reichard.
If the rotation continues against the Broncos and both perform well again, this will be a decision that will likely come down to the wire on cut day.
Inside Linebacker No. 4
Ivan Pace Jr. vs. Jacob Roberts
The Vikings have three locks at inside linebacker with Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and rookie Jake Golday. The question comes at the ILB4 spot, and whether they should roll with a disappointing veteran or go with an undrafted rookie.
Ivan Pace Jr. was a starter out of camp last year but was demoted after a couple of games. After struggling in coverage and missing plays, he was demoted to special teams and rarely saw a defensive snap.
His camp has been up and down this year, and he's getting a serious push from undrafted rookie Jacob Roberts.
Roberts has been impressive in coverage and in how quickly he's caught on to Brian Flores's scheme. He's been making plays in practice and in the preseason games and has definitely made a legitimate case to be on the final roster.
Minnesota will need to decide if they've seen enough of Pace and are ready to move on from that experiment.
If they feel he's improved in coverage, then maybe they'll keep him around for one more season. If not, then it'll be Jacob Roberts who will earn this spot, and putting together a solid performance in the final preseason game could be the deciding factor for him.
Defensive Lineman No. 6
Elijah Williams vs. Isaiahh Loudermilk
The Vikings' defensive line has been a hotly contested position group throughout camp this summer.
Minnesota drafted Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange earlier this year, and while they've had some growing pains this preseason, they aren't going anywhere.
Jalen Redmond is also a lock, as are Levi Drake-Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins; the question is who gets the final spot if they end up keeping six defensive linemen, as many expect?
Elijah Williams has made a strong case for himself. He came on late last season and has built off that this preseason. He has been clogging running lanes, shedding blocks, and making plays in the backfield. He's been so impressive that he's even been named to some Mr. Mankato watchlists.
His biggest challenge is Isaiahh Loudermilk, a veteran the Vikings signed in the offseason. Loudermilk has flashed plenty this preseason and has also shown that he should be considered for a spot on Minnesota's final defensive line depth chart.
Williams is probably the favorite to earn this spot, as he's young, homegrown, and has the most upside. But let's not forget that cut day is always full of surprises, and anything can happen.
If for some reason the Vikings prefer the veteran, it would be a shock, and he'd probably have to have a very strong showing in the final game to make that a reality.
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