VT’s Vikings Postgame Breakdown: 6 Thoughts after Minnesota Finishes Preseason in Denver

The current version of VT’s Vikings postgame breakdown considers Minnesota’s final preseason game in Denver.

To begin, the Vikings took down the Giants by a score of 13-3. There was then a loss to the Ravens by a score of 13-3. Finishing off the preseason’s three-game lineup was a tilt in Denver. The game concluded with a score of 34 for the Broncos and just 6 for the Vikings.

A Quick-Hitter Vikings Postgame Vikings Breakdown

1 — The Safety Position is Getting Walloped by Injury

Awful seeing Jacob Thomas go down to injury. He’s been terrific all offseason, leading to a scenario where he’s been looking like a sure thing for the final roster. Where things go from here remains to be seen.

So, too, was it concerning to see Jakobe Thomas need to take a moment. Fresh off a back injury, Thomas is looking to ensure he’s fully ready in time for Week 1. Thankfully, he came back, having an up-and-down game.

The Vikings still boast Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward as the top options. Part of the issue there is that Jackson has been dinged up. Moreover, there’s that earlier injury to Jamal Adams, ending his season.

Consider what Andrew Krammer (The Star Tribune) said of Jacob Thomas going down: “Safety Jacob Thomas being carted into the locker room with an apparent right leg injury is not the first quarter development they were looking for in this one.”

2 — A Guard Moonlights at Center

Last year, an undrafted guard by the name of Joe Huber made the Vikings’ final roster. Better yet, he earned some playing time, filling in when called upon to start for the injured Donovan Jackson.

In Denver, the interior offensive lineman got the chance to snap the ball to Carson Wentz. The starting center spot belongs to Blake Brandel but there’s some concern out there about whether that’s the best approach. Michael Jurgens looks like the main backup. Does Huber snuggle into a depth job across the three interior spots?

3 — Caleb Banks Has Room to Grow

On that first Broncos touchdown, Caleb Banks was left reaching a long arm to try to slowdown the runner. It didn’t work:

Sometimes, he’s just a half step away from the play, unable to get his body onto the player, left to reach rather than tackle. That’s not going to be good enough for a player who has immense ability.

4 — The Final Tally on the Punter Battle from Tonight’s Game

Today’s stats for the punters:

• Johnny Hekker: 3 Punts, 156 Yards, 2 Inside the 20
• Brett Thorson: 3 Punts, 156 Yards, 2 Inside the 20

The field goal operation involved Will Reichard having another perfect day. Flip of the coin.

5 — 5 Players Who Look Like Strong Bets for a PS Minimum

As a worst case, these fives players should be on the practice squad:

• S Kahlef Hailassie
• WR Dontae Fleming
• LB Bangally Kamara
• CB Zemaiah Vaughn
• TE Gavin Bartholomew

Seeing them totally out of Minnesota’s orbit would be odd.

6 — An Ugly, Torturous Preseason Ends

Truth be told, the Vikings’ preseason games weren’t great. Losing sleep to watch the Broncos game was the sort of thing that people shouldn’t have done.

In Week 1 the Green Bay Packers will roll into U.S. Bank Stadium. Overcoming the NFC North foe will mean getting an early edge in what’s promising to be a formidable division.

On Sunday, August 30th, the Minnesota Vikings need to ensure they have no more than 53 players. Start looking ahead to these things as you scrub your memory of these boring ball games.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.