There weren’t a lot of bright spots for the Minnesota Vikings offense in Week 2 of the preseason. The unit didn’t score a touchdown, failed to eclipsed the 300-yard mark and turned the ball over twice.
Second-year wide receiver Tai Felton, though, stood out as a positive. Behind a 50-yard catch, Felton posted three receptions for 66 yards. He hauled in all but one of his targets.
After the game Saturday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had a lot of positive things to say about Felton. O’Connell also appeared to reveal how he foresees using the wideout this fall.
“He’s had a good camp. I think he’s made some good plays. It was good to see him make a couple plays today. We want to continue to see where he’s at in his ability to execute at multiple positions. Because that’s going to be his game-day role,” O’Connell said to reporters Saturday. “He’s got to be ready to serve a depth position behind those top three guys. We want to get him some work. He’s got a different skill-set with his speed, explosiveness.”
As a rookie, Felton posted just three catches for 25 yards. That lack of production pushed the Vikings to pursue veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings in NFL free agency this offseason.
Jennings will support starters Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in a WR3 role. But after Saturday, it’s pretty clear Felton will have a distinct role too.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Addresses WR Tai Felton After Strong Preseason Showing
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell appeared to reveal his 2026 plan with second-year wide receiver Tai Felton.
It is difficult envisioning O’Connell being any more clear on Felton than he was Saturday. The second-year wideout will supplement the top three receivers and contribute on special teams.
“I think he’s had a really good camp, and now we’re hoping to see the consistency show up and really start stacking days and build upon that,” O’Connell added. “But I’m proud of Tai, where he’s at, the work he’s put in. He’s still going to be a heck of a 48-man kind of game-day roster, special teams player for us as well. So, excited about him.”
If there was any remaining doubt with Felton’s roster spot in Minnesota, the receiver likely put that to rest with his Saturday performance.
But O’Connell officially put it to bed after the game. Felton will be on the roster as a depth receiver and returner.
As a rookie last season, Felton returned seven kickoffs for an average of 25.4 yards per return. Felton returned punts and kickoffs at various points in his college career at Maryland.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Spills Truth on Plan With 2nd-Year WR Tai Felton