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(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings are playing their second preseason game of 2026 against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The focus sounds to be on position battles and not the starters. According to reporting and analysis from SKOR North’s Judd Zulgad, most, if not all, of the Vikings’ starters are not expected to see the field in the exhibition matchup. This approach makes sense with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s approach having starters get more of the reps in the joint practices.
J.J. McCarthy & Carson Wentz Expected To Share Reps
Starting quarterback Kyler Murray is among those expected to not see the field Saturday. Without Murray, O’Connell is projected to turn to J.J. McCarthy as the likely starter for the game. McCarthy is the current QB2 and should see most, if not an entire half of football. McCarthy was in a quarterback competition with Murray earlier in camp and has been part of various trade rumors. Watching how McCarthy plays could play into whether he remains the QB2 or is auditioning for a possible trade.
Veteran Carson Wentz is also expected to play a good part of the game against the Ravens. He looked comfortable and played well against the New York Giants, tossing 9/14, 81 yards, and a TD. He will look to contend with J.J. McCarthy and be analyzed by many in this second preseason game.
Vikings Position Battles The Focus
Position battles galore among other storylines to follow on who will make the final 53-man roster and avoid cuts will be on display.
GettyEAGAN, MINNESOTA – MAY 27: Dallas Turner #15 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in a drill during an OTA workout at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on May 27, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Vikings have concerns on defense on the edge position and will be one to watch going into this game. Dallas Turner has looked every bit of the “Rottweiler” that KOC talked about that he wanted to see from his young players in joint practices. He has had multiple sacks in joint practices and had one in the Giants preseason game. But behind Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, the depth at the position is a concern. Can reserves such as Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, or Chazz Chambliss make enough of an impression to solidify a role? Can they provide the confidence needed if either Turner or AVG miss time, so they can perform at a high enough level?
The safety position seems to have built some confidence after the Giants preseason game with S Jay Ward. Against the Giants, Ward had a powerful off-the-edge sack on QB Jaxson Dart that sent him to the tent afterward. He may be able to fill in for that Harrison Smith role that Flores is needing to replace on the defense. UDFA Jacob Thomas has been getting reps with the number 1 defense during joint practices and looking good. Thomas also had an interception in the Giants game and could make a push for playing time.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 15: Myles Price #4 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a third quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on August 15, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Wide Receiver Battles between Tai Felton and Myles “JUG” Price may be one to watch Saturday for WR4. If the Vikings keep six receivers on the team, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming and Dillon Bell are ones to watch. Not only will their play on offense play into a decision, but also special teams. If Price continues to flash as a receiver, even more emphasis to replace him or have depth as a kick/punt returner exists.
The Vikings have to look at this as a final rehearsal to decide whether they will spend any of the $22.3 million in cap space.
Vikings To Sit Starters vs. Ravens; J.J. McCarthy Expected to Start