If you were to project a Minnesota Vikings' active roster going into the season right now, you'd probably end up getting at least 40-45 of the 53 who make it correct when it's all said and done at the end of this month.
Injuries, of course, can change the equation quickly, though, and in general, opportunity is there for people to rise up and earn a roster spot as preseason games approach.
ESPN tabbed their NFL beat writers to name the biggest position battle for each team right now, ahead of the first preseason game for 30 teams. Kevin Seifert dug a little deeper, likely by necessity, to name the battle to be the No. 4 wide receiver as the biggest position battle for the Vikings.
"The No. 4 wide receiver position wouldn't seem too important for most teams, but for the Vikings, it is.
Starter Jordan Addison could face an NFL suspension after pleading guilty to a "wet reckless" charge of driving with alcohol involved, while Justin Jefferson has been slowed by a strained left hamstring. In other words, the fourth receiver could play a significant role at times this season.
Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones have been the early standouts in training camp, while two veterans to keep in mind are Tim Jones and Rondale Moore."
Minnesota Vikings WR group features biggest position battle of training camp
The Vikings have been preparing for Addison to serve an expected three-game suspension after his plea last month to a "wet reckless" related to his DUI citation in July 2024, and on Tuesday, that was confirmed by the league office.
Jalen Nailor will step into the No. 2 wide receiver role during Addison's suspension, like he did when Addison missed a couple of games due to injury early last season.
There isn't any real concern about Jefferson's hamstring injury in terms of his availability for Week 1. But his absence during training camp and preseason games--even if he were 100 percent healthy right now-- is an opportunity for others to shine.
As Seifert noted, Jackson and Jeshaun Jones are seizing that opportunity to earn a roster spot early in camp. Tim Jones offers value on special teams, befitting how a depth wide receiver can make a 53-man roster, and Moore can't be counted out of the competition.
With Addison unavailable for the first three games of the season, and the possibility that Jefferson might be eased into his typical snap share to some degree coming off a soft tissue injury, the Vikings' wide receiver depth is set to be tested early in the season.
So the battle to be Minnesota's No. 4 wide receiver when things are settled in better does matter quite a bit, if only to make things as smooth as possible for quarterback J.J. McCarthy in his first few starts.