Minnesota Vikings

Jacob Thomas

S

Thomas was limited at practice by an ankle injury Wednesday and Thursday, but he was a full participant Friday and will be available in Week 1. It's hard to imagine the rookie seeing very many defensive snaps Sunday, if any.

Jakobe Thomas

S

Thomas missed some practice earlier in the week due to an illness, but he was a full participant Friday and should be available in Week 1. Exactly how much playing time he'll get, if any, is still up in the air.

Harrison Smith

S

Smith was a limited participant in Friday's practice as the safety rested and recovered from the conditioning he has been regularly performing since signing with the team Sept. 5. The 37-year-old defensive back's role Sunday will likely be limited as the team eases him back into action.

J.J. McCarthy

QB

After losing out in the battle with newcomer Kyler Murray for the starting job prior to the preseason opener, McCarthy will plummet all the way to third on the depth chart heading into Week 1, with Carson Wentz settling in as Murray's top backup. O'Connell said that he considers the No. 2 quarterback "a week-to-week thing," so McCarthy could leapfrog Wentz on the depth chart in future games depending on how he performs during practice. In any case, the fact that the 23-year-old McCarthy has to battle for the No. 2 job less than three years after being selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is an indiction Minnesota doesn't view him as its long-term solution under center.

Caleb Tiernan

OT

Tiernan was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday because of an ankle issue, but he managed a full practice Friday and is on track to suit up in Week 1. The rookie third-rounder will be a depth option at tackle to start his pro career.