Minnesota Vikings' Darnold, McCarthy and Turner to get action in 1st preseason game: Key things to watch
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings play their first preseason game Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
There are plenty of new faces on the roster bringing questions heading into Week 1. Here are a few things to watch for when the purple kick things off inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
How will the quarterbacks look?
The question most pressing on fans' minds heading into the regular season is who will start Week 1, Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy? It's believed Darnold will. Thursday, head coach Kevin O'Connell said both quarterbacks would play Saturday, with Darnold starting. O'Connell also said McCarthy will get a "significant amount of work."
Although under vastly different circumstances, O'Connell never played former quarterback Kirk Cousins in the preseason. During Cousins' time with the team, his starting job wasn't questioned. That's important to note because although Darnold looks to be the Week 1 starter — starting the team's first preseason game indicates the perceived gap between him and the rookie might not be too substantial. The job isn't in ink just yet.
Is wide receiver 3 up for grabs?
The Vikings did not resign K.J. Osborn, their third wideout last year. His departure opened a bigger opportunity for two other wideouts: Jailen Nailor and Brandon Powell.
Nailor is nicknamed "speedy" by teammates, and the talk after the first few weeks of camp is that he's been impressive.
Last week, Justin Jefferson said he was "balling." Jefferson continued, "I'm very proud of him and excited to see what he's going to do for us for this upcoming year. I mean, every time you look around, he's catching the ball, he's making a play for us."
He's the front-runner to win this job but needs to overcome a history of injuries in order to fully seize the spot.
Powell was the Vikings' security blanket last year. He's got a roster spot undoubtedly locked up. The sure-handed punt-returner had a few under-the-radar games for the Vikings last year, most notably his breakout against the Atlanta Falcons in quarterback Josh Dobbs' first game with the team. He's not explosive but is looking to build off his best year in the NFL.
Newcomer Trent Sherfield is hoping to make the team, and his experience could be important in what's a ripe receiving corps behind Jefferson. The 28-year-old has played six seasons with four teams. The veteran likes what he's seen from McCarthy, saying "I love him. I think he's gonna be a great, great quarterback in this league. What I really like about him is his work ethic. He takes it serious. You can tell he loves football."
Keep in mind, with Jordan Addison's discipline from the NFL looming after being charged with a DUI in California, the Vikings may rely on depth receivers at some point this season. However, his suspension may not happen for a while, or possibly not even till next season, depending on how long the legal process takes. Plus, tight end T.J. Hockenson will likely be out the first three weeks and maybe longer. The team's pass-catching depth could be tested.
What does Dallas Turner do in his debut?
Turner, the 17th overall pick out of Alabama, has been battling stud left tackle Christian Darrisaw throughout camp. Darrisaw, who the Vikings just inked to a contract extension, is impressed with Turner.
"He's going to be a great rusher, and every day we're making each other better," he said. "He's a smart kid. He wants it all, and you can tell every day he comes out here giving his all."
It's worth noting who Turner goes up against Saturday because Kolton Miller, the Raiders' starting left tackle, will likely not play. He's dealing with a shoulder injury.
Turner has big shoes to fill on the edge after dynamic rusher Danielle Hunter signed with the Houston Texans in free agency.
Other news and notes
If you're still reading this long-winded preseason primer, you might as well pay attention to the offensive line play Saturday. Guards Dalton Risner, Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel will be the ones to watch. Brandel signed a three-year contract with the team this offseason. He has only started five games in three seasons after a year on the practice squad. The team likes his massive stature at 6-foot-7 and 315 lbs. O'Connell has said he wants the line to be more physical. Brandel's body will help in that regard.
Risner and Ingram will likely eat into each other's playing time this season. Right now, it looks as if Brandel will start Week 1 at left guard and Ingram at right guard, with Risner being able to fill in on either side. Risner could help Brandel and Inrgam's performance by providing a healthy amount of competition.
Also of note — fans will see Matt Daniels' special team unit handle their first kickoffs under the NFL's new rule. There is still an active competition for who will be the starting returner in Week 1.
Plus, college phenom Will Reichard will make his NFL debut. He's got a strong leg and routinely banged home 50-yarders in college for Alabama.
Up next: The Vikings travel to Cleveland during camp next week for joint practices with the Browns, one of the NFL's premier defenses.
