With J.J. McCarthy still sidelined by a concussion, the Vikings had to make some roster adjustments. Unfortunately, the inactives also extend to the coaching staff.

Sweeping changes for Minnesota Vikings against Seahawks

Once it looked became clear McCarthy might be out, Minnesota quickly signed John Wolford and Desmond Ridder. Wolford will serve as the backup on Sunday.

The #Vikings elevated John Wolford to the active roster for tomorrow’s game. He’ll be the backup to Max Brosmer. The team also elevated Dwight McGlothern from the practice squad, and announced outside linebackers coach Mike Pettine will not make the trip to Seattle to coach the…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 29, 2025

It’s not just the quarterbacks who are shuffled. Dwight McGlothern, a once-promising undrafted cornerback, was recently waived but quickly re-signed. He’ll now be active while Jeff Okudah remains sidelined with his own concussion.

Beyond the players, Vikings assistant head coach and linebackers coach Mike Pettine will also be absent in Seattle. No further details have been released, but the absence of a position coach is certainly noteworthy. Pettine previously served as a defensive coordinator for five seasons before becoming the Browns’ head coach in 2014 and 2015. He later worked as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator from 2018–2020 and has since taken on lesser roles.

Max Brosmer will be hoping for a win in his NFL debut, and he may have to do it with just three-fifths of the intended offensive line. Christian Darrisaw is questionable, and Donovan Jackson has already been ruled out. Despite Minnesota’s significant offseason investment in the offensive line, the group has been both injury-riddled and inconsistent.

The Vikings kick off in Seattle on Sunday at 3:05pm, searching for anything they can build on in what has otherwise been a difficult season.

Being the Vikings have already beaten the Bears in Chicago and Lions in Detroit earlier this year, week 12 represents an opportunity for Minnesota to sweep their NFC North rivals on the road this season, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2017.

Ryan Kelly activated by Minnesota Vikings

Without a doubt, having their full starting offensive line for the first time all year should certainly help. Ryan Kelly (concussions), who the Vikings brought in as the centerpiece to their o-line reconstruction project during the offseason, was activated Saturday, meaning he will start for the first time since week 4.

The #Vikings have activated C Ryan Kelly from IR and he will enter #MINvsGB without an injury designation.

CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. has signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster for tomorrow's game. RB Cam Akers has been released from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/CXPcqI7XxO

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 22, 2025

Kelly has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. He played just 14 games in 2023 and 10 in 2024. And with just three games under his belt this year, his veteran presence should help young quarterback J.J. McCarthy substantially.

If Will Fries is able to go, as he was limited in practice this week, then the offensive line will be completely intact for the first time all season. Fill in center Blake Brandel would be in line to start at guard if he misses time.

Beyond just activating Kelly, the Vikings also brought back waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern. Depth at the position has been questionable all season, and right now the running back room is healthy. That makes Cam Akers expendable with both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason locked in.

Packers Josh Jacobs questionable against MN Vikings

On the flip side, the Green Bay Packers could be without one of their top playmakers. Last week Josh Jacobs suffered a bone bruise and has struggled to regain flexibility in his knee. It remains to be seen if he can go.

With Josh Jacobs listed as questionable, the Packers elevated LB Jamon Johnson and RB Pierre Strong Jr. for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2025

Emmanuel Wilson is next in line if Jacobs can’t go. He has played in 10 games this year, and 34 in his career, but never started. Wilson has a 4.7 career yards per carry average.

Across 10 games this year, Jacobs has 648 yards but is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. He does have 11 touchdowns, and he’s well within reach of the 15 touchdowns he posted a season ago.

Minnesota and Green Bay kick off at 12 pm central time on Sunday.

The Vikings’ initial week 12 injury report on Wednesday — which was simulated because teams do not hold full practice that day — was mostly positive, especially center Ryan Kelly who would have returned to full practice yesterday for the first time since week 4, had the Vikings held one.

Thankfully on Thursday, Kelly did indeed get back on the practice field with teammates, where he was listed on the injury report as “Full” for the second-straight day. At this point, it would be a surprise, at this point, if he doesn’t start vs Green Bay.

A quick update from Vikings practice in Eagan today, our first chance to see the team ahead of their Sunday trip to Green Bay. (yesterday was a closed walk thru)

Appearances from:

– Ryan Kelly
– Jonathan Greenard
– J.J. McCarthy
– Carson Wentz@kare11 pic.twitter.com/DgvkEsSIAQ

— J.T. Messinger (@JTMessinger) November 20, 2025

Jonathan Greenard, Will Fries upgraded on latest injury report

Really, the only real concerns yesterday revolved around OLB Jonathan Greenard and RG Will Fries, who were both listed as DNP’s. Greenard sat out due to a shoulder injury that has already cost him one game.

Fries, meanwhile, made a surprise appearance. Unlike with Greenard, head coach Kevin O’Connell did not mention anything about Will Fries’ injury before practice.

Nobody really cared on thursday, however, when both Fries and Greenard were upgraded from DNP to “Limited”. Of course, this doesn’t mean either guy will play for sure vs the Packers, but it is a positive step in that direction.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/WqILnz2k7c

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 20, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Worried About JJ McCarthy’s Mental Fragility?

With his teammates getting healthier, starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was Minnesota’s only DNP today. That’s normal, though. He’s been taking Thursdays off all season, when games fall on Sundays, as he continues to work his way back to 100% off last year’s knee surgery.

Minnesota Vikings waive CB Dwight McGlothern

In other news, the Minnesota Vikings released cornerback Dwight McGlothern this afternoon. They are expected to use that roster spot for Ryan Kelly.

Not that long ago, McGlothern — a 2024 UDFA — was seen as the latest UDFA talent to be plucked into NFL relevance by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

The #Vikings have waived CB Dwight McGlothern Jr.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 20, 2025

Oh boy. Vikings waived CB Dwight McGlothern. Presumably to make room for the return of C Ryan Kelly.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 20, 2025

He splashed in camp and during preseason last year, before earning a spot on the practice squad, then eventually, the active roster, where he played five games. Unfortunately, his development hit a standstill at some point and now 8 games played into 2025, and he is no longer a Viking… at least for now.

Dwight McGlothern hits the waiver wire for any team intrigued enough to place him on their 53-man roster. If nobody puts out a claim on him, I’d expect the Vikings to place him on their practice squad.

Obviously the Vikings have since addressed the wide receiver spot by adding Adam Thielen. They could afford to bring in another pass-catcher as well.

They have yet to address the cornerback position, and the roster currently has just four players at the position. It would seem shocking for them to begin the year that way, but Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t seem to be pressed about it.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah content with Minnesota Vikings corners

Most teams typically roster five or more cornerbacks. The Vikings will start Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. They also seem extremely high on former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah. Dwight McGlothern would then be the only non-starter, but KAM doesn’t see that as an issue.

Asked about the fact that there are only 4 cornerbacks on the active roster, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah notes that veteran Fabian Moreau is on the practice squad. Also notes the Vikings sometimes use "Big Nickel," with a safety rather than a cornerback.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 28, 2025

Last season the Vikings employed Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin as starters. They had depth behind them as well. Recently they traded depth corner Mekhi Blackmon to Dallas, and they haven’t made a move to grab anyone to backfill his spot.

Gilmore remains a free agent, and despite initially signing with the Seahawks during the offseason, Griffin didn’t wind up making the roster. Either of them could presumably return in a straightforward transaction.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 2025 Practice Squad Tracker

As Adofo-Mensah mentions, veteran Fabian Moreau is also on the practice squad. Moreau is entering his ninth NFL season and has 113 games (56 starts) under his belt. Still, his overall ability leaves something to be desired.

MN Vikings could make a crazy addition

The Minnesota Vikings should have a talented defense this season under Brian Flores. They could take pressure off the secondary by improving an already incredible front seven. Dallas is now taking calls on Micah Parsons.

4/180M guarantee 112.5M

Parsons is 26, you’re adding the premier defensive player in the NFL.

And a new contract would be due around the time JJMC needs to get paid. https://t.co/krLcQMTn4M

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 28, 2025

No, Micah Parsons does not play cornerback. He does give Flores another weapon though, and using safeties in cornerback roles gets easier if the linebacker play is top-tier.

Parsons wants a new contract in Dallas and owner Jerry Jones has fumbled the process at every opportunity. His current cap hit comes in just over $25 million, and the Vikings have just over $26 million remaining in cap space. They could also extend the superstar, and that would soften the blow of trading draft capital.

Related: Vikings Update on Harrison Smith’s Mysterious Health Condition

Unfortunately for Minnesota, the Green Bay Packers jumped up and grabbed Parsons first. The paid the freight, and also handed him a new $188 million deal.

Plenty of emphasis will be placed upon how key offensive players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and left tackle Christian Darrisaw look. Both are returning from injury and are key pieces if Kevin O’Connell’s team is going to compete.

Brian Flores is back to coach the defense though, and his unit can take another step forward. The front seven has been lauded as the best in the business, but there is opportunity for other names to earn some additional playing time.

Dallas Turner (22 years old) – Oustide Linebacker

The biggest and most prominent name on this list is 2024 first round pick Dallas Turner. Minnesota traded back up into the first round to grab the Alabama edge rusher. He played in 16 games for Brian Flores as a rookie, but he largely got lost in an otherwise impressive edge rushing rotation.

It’s unlikely that Turner is going to unseat either Jonathan Greenard (12.0 sacks) or Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) this season. What he must do is take the next step forward and be an infinitely larger part of the defense.

Dallas Turner #Skol big year 2 otw pic.twitter.com/kqLt3NOAVc

— PassRushDiary🦅 (@PassRushDiary) July 15, 2025

Patrick Jones II had the third-most sacks for Minnesota last season with seven. He departed in free agency and Turner should be eyeing an opportunity to step up. Jones recorded 459 defensive snaps last season (46%) while Turner had just 300 (28%). There’s no reason he can’t convert more of his special teams usage into regular defensive rotations.

Related: MN Vikings Superstar Wide Receiver is Out of Action

There were plenty of points during his rookie campaign that questions arose regarding Turner being a bust. It was premature for that, but he’ll have to put together a strong camp if he wants to start separating in year two.

Dwight McGlothern (23 years old) – Cornerback

If there’s still a position to be weary of on the Minnesota Vikings roster it’s the cornerback position. Byron Murphy Jr. is back and Isaiah Rodgers is an upside play to replace Stephon Gilmore. Shaq Griffin is gone though, and there wasn’t an external replacement brought in.

The Vikings do get a healthy Mekhi Blackmon back after his season ending knee injury last year. It’s McGlothern though that could look to parlay his intriguing year one into more playing time.

Curious to see the jump #Vikings CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. makes here in season No. 2. pic.twitter.com/n9lRO7xm1B

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 17, 2025

McGlothern was a training camp darling after going undrafted out of Arkansas last year. Ultimately it led to action in just five games and he tallied only 19 defensive snaps. At 6’2″ 185 pounds, McGlothern has ideal size for the position. If he can harness the movements, coverages, and overall scheme there may be something special developing.

Related: 3 Underrated MN Vikings to Watch at Training Camp

Minnesota brought in veteran Jeff Okudah as a depth addition as well. He has failed to live up to his former third overall pick pedigree in three different stops now. If McGlothern wants to make a name for himself, there’s a guy to leapfrog.

Bo Richter (24 years old) – Outside Linebacker

Someone has to account for the snaps that are vacated by the Patrick Jones II departure. Ideally that would be Dallas Turner, but you can bet that Bo Richter isn’t going to hand it over easily.

Richter went undrafted out of Air Force last season but appeared in 14 games for the Minnesota Vikings. He made one start and recorded a fumble recovery. Although he didn’t grab a sack he had eight total tackles on just 29 defensive snaps.

Skor North’s Phil Mackey spoke high praise of both Richter and fellow undrafted talent Gabriel Murphy. He doesn’t see either of these two talents as just fun stories anymore.

"I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are gonna ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense."

– @PhilMackey has high expectations for Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy beyond #Vikings training camp. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/vDZUvQsrKX

— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) July 21, 2025

“I think either Bo Richter or Gabe Murphy will finish above Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, or Jonathan Greenard in edge rusher sacks for the Vikings this year. I legitimately think that one of these guys is going to break, it’s kind of a battle between the two of them for that fourth edge rusher spot…Based on their college pedigree, based on the things they showed their first camp a year ago, and based on the opening behind those three guys. Patrick Jones feasted. Patrick Jones had a bunch of sacks playing off of the other edge rushers. That spot is open for business and I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are going to ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato watch list discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense.”

Phil Mackey – Skor North

Similar to McGlothern, Richter was a camp and preseason darling last season. He and fellow undrafted talent Murphy both oozed with tools that look like they can be developed. It will be interesting to see how the pairing comes out in year two, and how much of a step forward they have taken.

Taki Taimani (25 years old) – Nose Tackle

There has been nothing more noticeable on defense for the Vikings in recent seasons than their inability to control the interior line. That was addressed this offseason with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Harrison Phillips is also back to assume the nose tackle spot.

If there’s a guy that can try to work into that rotation though, or be there in case of injury, it’s Taki Taimani. He appeared in just seven games as a rookie and recorded only 70 defensive snaps. He spent the final ten games of the season on injured reserve. Each of the new additions come with injury concerns, and someone has to be ready.

Taimani is with the MN Vikings on a three-year deal and he is coming into camp with a clean bill of health. He has an uphill battle to climb with the talent in front of him, but he should separate from draft pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins or veteran Jalen Redmond.

Related: MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?

The Vikings having a stout defensive front for the first time in what seems like forever is a great thing. They still need people to step up in rotation and reserve spots.

Minnesota Vikings seek the next UDFA contributor

A season ago the Minnesota Vikings grabbed Ivan Pace Jr. as an undrafted free agent. He quickly elevated himself to become among the best players on their defense. Pace Jr. will wear the green dot on defense this season. Kevin O’Connell would love to see more undrafted free agents step up.

On the same day that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sent his first ever pick packing, his team is banking on some undrafted talents. All three UDFAs that made the Minnesota Vikings roster are on defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores clearly doesn’t care where, or if, a rookie was drafted.

• Dwight McGlothern – CB
• Taki Taimani – DL
• Gabriel Murphy – Edge
• *Levi Drake Rodriguez – DL (7th Rounder)

Of the UDFA trio, CB Dwight McGlothern and DL Taki Taimani are currently on the active roster. Gabriel Murphy is on short-term IR, but he’s expected back sooner, rather than later. We also had to include Levi Drake Rodriguez as a 7th round pick honorable mention.

The Vikings have a legitimate opportunity for all of these guys to earn reps in the 2024 preseason. Not only are there depth issues, which allowed these guys to make the roster, but Flores is known as a coach who will find snaps for you, if earned.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster – 2024

The Vikings need help at the cornerback position and it’s why they prioritized Stephon Gilmore. Their interior defensive line could also use work, and it’s where they are expected to focus during the next draft.

Which UDFA contributes most for Minnesota Vikings?

Dwight McGlothern is the big body cornerback that the Vikings thought they had and grabbed in lost but not forgotten former Oregon Duck, Khyree Jackson. If the 22-year-old McGlothern can continue to rise to the NFL occasion, he could fit into the same type of role they saw Jackson in.

Dwight McGlothern's INT against the Browns. Ball was overthrown to the TE and McGlothern was able to recognize that, and go down and catch the ball. pic.twitter.com/OmlKR4S0gu

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Neither Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans should be impossible to jump on the depth chart. In all reality, the Vikings kind of need their standout UDFA cornerback to live up to his preseason hype. Even after the Gilmore signing, depth is a problem at CB.

That’s not the only defensive position that lacks in that area. Minnesota’s depth on the defensive line is just as questionable. Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard are the veterans. Jerry Tillery is a failed first round pick.

Related: Vikings Most Shocking Roster Cuts

After that, they will rely on 2024 7th rounder Live Drake Rodriguez and UDFA Taki Taimani. Both guys have a chance to earn a lot of regular season reps, if they can earn any trust from defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Great play by Taki Taimani to split the double team and make the run defense tackle. James Lynch also held up well and got an assist. pic.twitter.com/0IbA34yxmO

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may not have the best draft reputation, through three years on the job. But there is no doubt he and this coaching staff are starting to gain a reputation as one that can identify and develop underrated players at the bottom of yearly draft boards.

We’ll see if any of the above UDFAs (plus LDR) can prove themselves to be the next Ivan Pace Jr…

Dwight McGlothern, an undrafted rookie out of Arkansas, turned heads during camp and preseason with some impressive stats. But did he do enough to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster?

Did Dwight McGlothern do enough to be make Minnesota Vikings 52-man roster?

First off, the Vikings might not have the best cornerback group in the league, especially after Mekhi Blackmon’s injury during training camp. But the addition of Stephon Gilmore adds a wealth of experience and high end talent to Brian Flores’ defense.

However, it also sparked questions about whether there’s still enough room for rookie standout Dwight McGlothern. According to Alec Lewis, a Vikings insider for The Athletic, it sounds like the Vikings want to keep McGlothern over Akayleb Evans, who general Kwesi Adofo-Mensah appears to be shopping, ahead of Tuesday’s cutdown day.

Cornerback (5)

Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, Byron Murphy Jr., Fabian Moreau, Dwight McGlothern

Parting with Evans also opens the door for McGlothern, who has displayed a knack for the ball all camp. The Vikings don’t have an obvious backup nickel cornerback with these five, but Flores has not been afraid to use Metellus or Camryn Bynum in that role if necessary.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

McGlothern has definitely earned his chance to play on Sundays, especially after posting the second-highest overall PFF grade and the second-highest coverage grade among all rookie cornerbacks in the preseason.

#Vikings UDFA CB Dwight McGlothern was a preseason STAR!

In 3 games (80 snaps):
💥6 tackles (5 solo)
💥1 INT
💥1 Pass Defended
💥1 Stuff@PFF Grades:
💥Overall: 88.4
💥Run Def: 85.0
💥Tackling : 79.4
💥Pass Rush: 53.1
💥Coverage: 87.3 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NiumdLUcqI

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 25, 2024

Related: Andrew Booth Jr Making Vikings Look Like Geniuses

#Vikings UDFA Dwight McGlothern had the second-highest overall PFF grade and second-highest coverage grade among all rookie CBs in preseason.

— Warren Ludford (@wludford) August 25, 2024

McGlothern’s chances of making the team now look pretty strong, and he’s likely to get more opportunities to compete for playing time on Sundays. He could be just the piece the Vikings need to strengthen their cornerback lineup. We’ll officially find out on Tuesday whether the Vikings decide to keep him on the 53-man roster.

Let the UDFA rain down for the Minnesota Vikings

Say what you want about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft prowess. He has missed in some big spots there. Undrafted free agents have become a focal point for the Minnesota Vikings since Ivan Pace Jr. became a star last season. The 2024 roster could certainly include another UDFA or two that turn heads. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees a few making the cut. The names Lewis has making the team are intriguing, and each has a well-reasoned explanation as to why.

• Tyrese Robinson (OL) – “How about Robinson, whom coaches have liked watching this preseason? Robinson is a bold pick here, but why not be bold?”
• Taki Taimani (IDL) – “If Robinson is the first bold pick of the projection, Taimani is the second. Last year, fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy occupied the backup nose tackle spot. He has had a ho-hum camp this year, potentially opening a spot for Taimani”
• Gabriel Murphy (Edge) – “The Vikings can place two players on IR and designate them to where they don’t count against the 53-man roster. Murphy might be a candidate for this. The undrafted edge rusher from UCLA wowed coaches in the first few weeks of camp, then suffered an undisclosed injury and has not been present since. Cutting him could risk losing him, so this is the sensible approach.”
• Dwight McGlothern (CB) – “Parting with Evans also opens the door for McGlothern, who has displayed a knack for the ball all camp.”

If all four undrafted free agents make the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster, that would be even with the amount of drafted rookies to be included. Adofo-Mensah has done a great job of identifying talent on the fringes, and each of these talents could make noise.

Related: New Name Emerging in Minnesota Vikings RG Battle?

Should any of the 2024 UDFA work out like Pace Jr. did, the Vikings will be ecstatic.

Which UDFA could contribute most for Minnesota Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings will have plenty of opportunity for talent to step up. It’s not a surprise that three of the four aforementioned names play on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs his group to take another step forward this season and there are positions that present openings.

Tyrese Robinson and Michael Jurgens create a wide hole for Myles Gaskin to run through, and he hits it hard, well before the LB is able to get to him and into the second level of the defense. pic.twitter.com/b4oa1gtMAi

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 21, 2024

Blake Brandel is starting at guard for the first time in his career. Dalton Risner signed to challenge both Brandel and Ed Ingram, but he hasn’t been healthy. Ingram has remained a problem, and the guard spot could need a jolt. If that winds up being the case, Robinson may force his way into actions.

Tragedy took away Khyree Jackson before his career could get started. His physical traits were something that excited coaches, and that remains true for Dwight McGlothern. He’s currently deep on the depth chart out of the gate. He can definitely factor in down the stretch. Taimani plays a spot that Minnesota needs to be better at as well, so showing out will get him noticed.

Dwight McGlothern's INT against the Browns. Ball was overthrown to the TE and McGlothern was able to recognize that, and go down and catch the ball. pic.twitter.com/OmlKR4S0gu

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Minnesota’s edge rushing group has been turned over since last season. Murphy is an exciting prospect, but he hasn’t been healthy. A late start behind Johnathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner makes his chances a serious uphill battle.

Related: Another UDFA Could Reportedly Sneak onto Minnesota Vikings’ Final Roster

No matter what, the Vikings getting contributions from UDFA’s again this year would be great to see.

Which UDFA’s can make an impact for the Minnesota Vikings?

Kevin O’Connell has already laid out the plan for his quarterbacks on Saturday. The Minnesota Vikings will start Sam Darnold. Rookie J.J. McCarthy will get a significant amount of run. 2023 draft pick Jaren Hall will see action as well. There are no UDFA’s at quarterback, but a few of them are looking to crack the 53-man roster. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis outlined a group that is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Last year, the Vikings uncovered an undrafted free-agent gem in linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. This year, four players have impressed in camp. (Gabriel Murphy, edge; Jeshaun Jones, WR; Dwight McGlothern, CB; Owen Porter, edge). Murphy, an edge rusher from UCLA, has not practiced fully in recent days with an undisclosed injury. He has, however, earned rave reviews from Flores. McGlothern’s size and ball skills have excited coaches. Jones snags multiple passes a day and is likely to play major minutes Saturday. And Porter is a potential special teams contributor with defensive versatility. All of these players are vying for roster spots, and there hasn’t been a better opportunity for them to display their worth than Saturday against the Raiders.

Alec Lewis on Vikings UDFA’s to watch

Minnesota would love to unearth another version of Ivan Pace Jr. The crop they have at their disposal this season present a real opportunity to do that. The defense needs an influx of developed talent. Brian Flores will be looking for guys that can immediately step up and make plays.

#Vikings CB Dwight McGlothern with a nice interception here:

🎥: @SeanBormanNFL pic.twitter.com/YUpz4DWDxE

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 8, 2024

With the passing of Khyree Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings lost a player that could have factored in at the cornerback position. Dwight McGlothern possesses similar size traits. If he can show a quick learning curve, a position that sorely needs help could find it. The third wide receiver position is largely up in the air. That would present an opening for Jeshaun Jones to work his way up the depth chart as well.

Although preseason action is typically boring, Minnesota brings plenty of storylines to the table this weekend.

Related: Vikings Insider Projects Undrafted Rookie as Surefire 53-Man Roster Candidate