The Minnesota Vikings finished their final training camp practice Wednesday with Kevin O’Connell offering updates on J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback rotation, a rising Dallas Turner and one roster hopeful who apparently can play just about anywhere.
There's still plenty to sort out with two critical moments on the horizon: 1) the final preseason game and 2) roster cuts.
Minnesota closes the preseason schedule against the Denver Broncos at 8 p.m. Friday. Several players could use these final snaps with roster cuts approaching Sunday.
Despite injury, J.J. McCarthy could start Friday vs. Broncos
McCarthy sat out Wednesday after splitting reps Tuesday, but O’Connell called the injury a “deltoid sprain” rather than a high-ankle issue. Minnesota would like him to start against Denver because those reps give McCarthy one last opportunity to prove he can command the offense, sustain drives and finish possessions -- something he has really yet to do.
But if McCarthy isn’t ready, the Vikings won’t push it.
Carson Wentz has the edge as Vikings sort out Week 1 QB depth chart
Carson Wentz is expected to play Friday while Minnesota continues dividing work among McCarthy, Wentz and Max Brosmer. The staff needs another evaluation before settling the Week 1 quarterback depth chart, but so far Wentz has outplayed McCarthy and Brosmer has shown enough to make the competition interesting.
"I challenge these guys to go help be elevators of whatever group they're in with on offense." - Kevin O'Connell pic.twitter.com/DQIZPKWFE8
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 26, 2026
Viking Age's Anthony Miller graded Brosmer a B+ for his performance in Minnesota's first game of the preseason. The second-year quarterback finished 11-of-17 passing for 98 yards and an interception against the Ravens.
Vikings bubble players get one last chance before Sunday’s roster cuts
Minnesota expects to arrive home around 4 a.m. Saturday and must reach 53 players by 3 p.m. Sunday.
As a former NFL quarterback himself, O'Connell knows how tense the final hours can be for players on the bubble. Friday gives them one more chance to put good tape on film. Whether it keeps them in Minnesota or lands them on the cutting room floor for another team we'll know in the coming days.
Dallas Turner’s battles with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are paying off
O’Connell gave Turner one of his strongest endorsements of camp, saying the third-year edge rusher has “total ownership” of Brian Flores’ defense.
Turner has also added more variety to his pass-rush plan after spending camp battling Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. That only adds to the optimism surrounding his breakout case. The Vikings -- and SKOL Nation -- are eager to find out whether that can continue through the regular season.
Chaz Chambliss is giving Minnesota multiple reasons to keep him on 53-man roster
Chaz Chambliss has bounced between inside linebacker, outside linebacker and fullback while also contributing on special teams, giving Minnesota plenty of ways to use him. His move to No. 40 even lets the Vikings line him up at fullback without having to report him as eligible.
O’Connell joked that Chambliss has enough “swag” to pull off almost any number, but the versatility is what could help him survive roster cuts. When you’re fighting for one of the final spots on the 53, being useful in four different roles can only help your case.
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