8 instant takeaways from the Vikings' ugly preseason loss to the Broncos

For the Minnesota Vikings, the 2026 preseason is now in the books, and the next time fans will get to see the team in action will be on September 13 inside U.S. Bank Stadium against the hated Green Bay Packers.

Minnesota got pummeled by the Denver Broncos in their final preseason game of the summer on Friday, but there were still plenty of moments from the contest that the Vikings can use when figuring out who they want to be on their final 53-man roster before Sunday's deadline at 5 p.m. CST.

So, despite the double-digit loss to the Broncos, what are some of the initial takeways from Minnesota's final matchup of the 2026 preseason?

Young Minnesota Vikings players shine in preseason finale against the Denver Broncos

1. Vikings rookie safety Jacob Thomas injured his ankle on the opening drive, and it didn't look good. Some felt Thomas did enough this summer to earn a spot on Minnesota's final 2026 roster, and now that might be in jeopardy.

2 . After missing the first two exhibition matchups this year due to injury, Minnesota rookie safety Jakobe Thomas got his first action of the preseason on Friday.

Thomas, who was drafted by the Vikings in the third round earlier this year, was on the field for most of the contest and finished with five tackles

3. Minnesota rookie cornerback Charles Demmings had a nice pass breakup while covering Denver receiver Troy Franklin on the opening drive, but then he missed a tackle pretty badly when attempting to bring down running back Tyler Badie later on in the matchup.

Both plays showed why Minnesota is so excited about Demmings' potential and how much he still has to improve before getting any legitimate snaps with the defense this season.

4. Vikings linebacker Chaz Chambliss got snaps at fullback in the first half, and he even made a catch in the first quarter that generated a rowdy reaction from the players on Minnesota's sideline.

Then in the second half, Chambliss occupied his normal spot on the defensive side of the ball, where he was even able to accumulate a tackle in his time on the field.

5. Vikings safety Kahlef Hailassie had an impressive interception in the second quarter, where he leaped in front of a pass thrown by Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Was it enough to earn Hailassie a spot on Minnesota's final roster?

6. Vikings rookie punter Bret Thorson was the holder on Will Reichard's first field goal attempt, which he converted from 46 yards out. Thorson also looked good in his punting opportunities on Friday, averaging over 50 yards per punt and getting two of them to land inside Denver's own 20-yard line.

The problem is that the rookie's competition in Minnesota's current punter battle, Johnny Hekker, also punted well against the Broncos and was the holder for Reichard's other made field goal from 28 yards away.

7. Minnesota undrafted rookie linebacker Jacob Roberts went down with a knee injury midway through the third quarter. Hopefully it's not one that sidelines Roberts for an extended period of time, as he has a good shot to be a part of the Vikings' final roster.

8. Second-year Vikings tight end Gavin Bartholomew had himself a solid game, including a catch in the second quarter where he juked a Broncos defender to gain 12 yards. Bartholomew finished with five receptions for 26 yards, as he's hoping to land Minnesota's No. 3 tight end job on the team's final 53.

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