The Minnesota Vikings have yet to enter the win column this preseason. 

It's preseason, so we know wins and losses aren't what's important. What's important is how players develop and how position battles get resolved. 

Through two preseason games, there are still a few burning questions that need answers before Week 1. 

Will anybody step up to claim the RB2 role?

With Alexander Mattison set to assume the starting role for the first time, it will be vital to have a solid backup. Unfortunately, none of the currently rostered players have done much thus far. 

Ty Chandler has had a very up-and-down summer and that has carried into the preseason. Chandler had a nice game against Seattle but averaged just 2.2 yards on 11 carries against the Titans. 

Kene Nwangwu's roster spot is locked due to his elite ability on returns. However, Nwangwu has just 22 carries in his NFL career and is invaluable on special teams. These factors mean Nwangwu likely won't see the field much on offense. 

Rookie DeWayne McBride has many believers but has done little to back up that belief. McBride has failed to stand out at any point this summer after dominating in college. Abram Smith has similarly been unimpressive this summer. 

Aaron Dykes had a nice game against the Titans but is still far from being a reliable backup RB. 

Will the team role decide that there is enough on the roster, or will another outside addition be made? 

How will the WR room battles shake out?

There appear to be four receivers who are locked in on this roster: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, KJ Osborn, and Jalen Nailor. That means there are two spots at most up for grabs. 

Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, N'Keal Harry, Blake Proehl, and Trishton Jackson are the main contenders for these spots. Powell has excelled as a returner in his career and has continued to do so this summer. Reagor and Harry are former first-round picks with endless potential that has never been realized. Finally, Trishton Jackson and Blake Proehl are former UDFAs who have always impressed in camp. 

One can assume Powell is safe due to his ability to return punts. Powell has also flashed some ability as a receiver and provides a veteran presence, so I like his chances. 

Behind Powell, it will be fascinating to see if Reagor or Harry can land another chance. 

Will any of the cornerbacks step up?

Mekhi Blackmon, Byron Murphy Jr., and Akayleb Evans have received the majority of first-team snaps this summer and are safe. However, Blackmon has been up and down as expected from a rookie and didn’t play against the Titans due to injury. Evans missed the Titans game as well with an injury. 

This was a perfect chance for Andrew Booth Jr. to prove he deserves a large role. Booth did play well in coverage, finishing with a 63.7 PFF grade. Booth struggled in run support and Tyjae Spears made Booth look silly at points. 

Joejuan Williams had the second-highest PFF coverage grade, finishing with a 67.3.

Booth and Williams both collected three tackles and one pass defense. 

A sneaky CB option is Jay Ward. The fourth-round pick collected six tackles against the Titans after collecting five against the Seahawks. Unlike Booth, Ward holds up well in run support and could factor into the CB rotation. 

The team recently met with veteran free agent Ronald Darby, perhaps signifying the teams' lack of trust in the young players. 

4 winners and 3 losers from the Vikings second preseason game

Identifying who impressed and who disappointed in a loss to the Titans.

Featured image via © Brad Rempel | 2023 Aug 3