5 Players To Watch During Vikings Preseason Matchup Against Las Vegas
The Minnesota Vikings play the first of their three preseason games against the Las Vegas Raiders this Saturday. Minnesota listed Sam Darnold as the starting quarterback in the teams' depth chart earlier this week, but rookie J.J. McCarthy has turned heads throughout training camp. With several position battles underway, here are five players to watch as the Vikings host the Raiders.
5) Dallas Turner
It's always interesting to see how rookies perform during their first taste of NFL action, and Dallas Turner is no different. Minnesota drafted the former Alabama star with the 17th overall selection earlier this year. Turner can take advantage of a Raiders offense that has struggled throughout training camp. If the 21-year-old can put pressure on the Las Vegas quarterbacks, he could earn himself more playing time in the regular season.
4) Akayleb Evans
The Vikings are pretty thin at cornerback, and Mekhi Blackmon's injury early in training camp does not help. With the second-year CB now on injured reserve, other players will be forced to step up. One of those players who needs to make an impact is Akayleb Evans. Evans received a PFF grade of 54.9 last season, allowing 48 receptions on 69 targets. The Missouri Tiger has an opportunity to bounce back this year, and it will begin with a strong outing against the Raiders offense.
3) Will Reichard
It's impossible not to focus on a kicker as a Vikings fan, but the reports on Will Reichard have been stellar thus far. Reichard won the kicking job almost instantly during camp and has only missed two kicks, going 14-for-16 since entering the Vikings facility. This weekend will be our first look at Reichard in NFL game action. If he can kick the ball through the uprights, he'll become an instant favorite in Minnesota.
2) Jalen Nailor
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the Vikings' clear WR1 and WR2 this season, but the third-string job is still up for grabs. Jalen Nailor is seemingly the front-runner to earn the WR3 position, with several highlight-reel catches during training camp this summer. Nailor will get an opportunity to play with several quarterbacks during the first preseason game, and if he can find a way to pull in passes, maybe even score a touchdown, he can secure his spot on the depth chart.
1) J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy has impressed fans throughout training camp, although it's unlikely he can earn the starting job this summer. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has a plan for McCarthy, which may include sitting on the sideline until the perfect opportunity arises. Minnesota will want to look at McCarthy more closely during this preseason game and ensure he is progressing the way they'd hoped. J.J. may be the future of the Vikings organization, and he is by far the most critical player to watch this weekend.
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