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3 Vikings Who Need A Big Performance in Second Vikings Preseason Game
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- 3 Vikings Who Need A Big Performance in Second Vikings Preseason Game
Jeffrey Becker
After a win over the New York Giants , the Vikings preseason moves back to US Bank Stadium for the visit of the Baltimore Ravens in the second game of the Vikings preseason.
3 Vikings Who Need A Big Performance in Second Vikings Preseason Game
After a week that has included joint practices with the Ravens , it will be rounded off with a game against the other team in the NFL that wears purple. There are three Vikings who are in need of a positive day with preseason currently not going as they might have hoped.
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JJ McCarthy
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
JJ McCarthy has gone from being in a QB1 battle to a QB2 battle. It was the same McCarthy that made everything look difficult in 2025 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday. In contrast, Carson Wentz , with a lot of help from Myles Price , made things happen and orchestrated the game-winning drive which culminated in a beautiful pass and catch between the two for a touchdown.
It quickly sparked talk of Wentz jumping above McCarthy into the backup role. With more experience and knowledge of what his game is, putting the veteran Wentz as the backup has plenty of merit.
However, Kevin O'Connell reiterated this week that the current plan is to have McCarthy as the QB2. He also continued his talk of having a competitive QB room and if McCarthy continues to struggle a further demotion shouldn't be ruled out. The best way for him to answer the doubters this week will be with a strong performance against Baltimore.
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Caleb Banks
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It's early days for the Vikings 2026 first-round draft pick, and after the injury following the NFL Combine, Caleb Banks posed a risk with a first-round draft selection. Minnesota decided to gamble on raw talent, which meant patience was going to be needed. The good news is that Banks is healthy and participating, but it was a rough outing for him last week against the Giants.
Banks wasn't drafted to be ready straight out of the gate. Having missed a lot of football in his final college season with a foot injury and then had the same thing happen at the Combine. He needs to get fully healthy and in football shape, and then he needs to work on his technique. What Banks does provide is a physical presence that can't be taught.
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I don't expect Banks to suddenly look like the finished product this Saturday but he needs to show a flash of what he can do and make a big play to get noticed. Then patience is needed while he develops (see Dallas Turner ).
Tai Felton
Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a catch while Giants cornerback Deonte Banks closes in during game action at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, in East Rutherford. The contested reception highlighted Felton's route timing and hands as Minnesota evaluated young receivers in live reps against starting-caliber defensive backs. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
As a third-round pick in his second year with the team, Tai Felton should be looking to make his mark. Any hope he had of taking on the departed Jalen Nailor's WR3 role was dashed by the arrival of Jauan Jennings in free agency.
Now with the aforementioned Price being one of the success stories of the Vikings preseason. Felton is in danger of falling down from WR4 on the depth chart. He needs to start making some eye-catching plays otherwise it could be another season where he barely makes the field on offense.
