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3 Vikings Who Impressed in the Vikings Preseason Opener
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- 3 Vikings Who Impressed in the Vikings Preseason Opener
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings preseason started with a 13-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium . The preseason is less about results and more about individual players trying to impress and secure their position in the team's plans going forward.
3 Vikings Who Impressed in the Vikings Preseason Opener
Kevin O'Connell sent his starters out to begin the game, but they quickly made way as the second- and third-string players filtered in. Three players made a statement , suggesting they can have important roles this season with their performance in the Vikings' preseason opener.
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Myles Price
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as New York Giants cornerback Korie Black (38) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As an undrafted rookie in 2025, Myles Price carved out a role for himself in Minnesota as the team's kick and punt returner. Price did jet on the field a handful of times with the Vikings offense but he never recorded a single target. Now trying to keep his place on the roster for a second season, Price put his name in the WR4 conversation by totally outperforming Tai Felton against the Giants. His 4 targets went for 4 catches for 51 yards and 1 touchdown.
It was a good day's work for Price with two catches that would make any highlight reel. His superb one-handed touchdown catch took all the attention, but a contested catch along the sideline earlier in the drive was also impressive. There's not a huge amount of room for even the Vikings WR4 to get opportunities (barring injuries) but Price is making his case to get some involvement when the regular season comes around.
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Jay Ward
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Racey McMath (13) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Jay Ward (20) and cornerback Kalon Barnes (27) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Safety is a problem position in Minnesota right now and that was compounded when Jamal Adams went down injured on Saturday. On a brighter note Jay Ward was on every football platform there is after sacking Giants QB Jaxson Dart .
A safety in a Brian Flores defense needs to be able to get up at the line of scrimmage, use disguise, and be able to blitz. Ward showed his pass rushing prowess when he got to Dart and laid in a massive (and importantly, fair) hit on the Giants QB. As it stands Ward is a starter on the Vikings' depth chart .
Max Bredeson
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The retirement of CJ Ham left a big hole on the Vikings' roster. This early in his career Max Bredeson won't be expected to take on the leadership role Ham had but the fullback looks capable of taking on the playing role. Bredeson was a key factor in opening running lanes as Minnesota dominated on the ground to start the game and even got involved in the pass game early, bringing in the first catch of the Vikings preseason on a short pass from Kyler Murray .
The nature of a fullback's role means Bredeson's impact won't always show up on the stat sheet, but the man who played a ton of tight end is showing how his size and strength can be of value as both a run blocker, pass blocker, and as a receiver when required. The early signs suggest Bredeson should see plenty of the field during his rookie campaign.
