Minnesota Vikings

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce started the preseason game against the New York Giants but struggled to make an impact, managing only four carries for five yards. Pierce averaged a disappointing 1.3 yards per carry, failing to show any improvement from his previous performance. In contrast, Cam Akers, serving as his primary backup, ran for 29 yards on six carries, including a long of 14 yards. Akers, who was signed at the beginning of training camp, has quickly emerged as a legitimate roster contender, transforming from a camp body into a potential backup to Joe Mixon. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme has helped him catch up despite joining late. J.J. Taylor led the Texans' running backs with 36 yards on five carries, and rookie British Brooks scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, with both Taylor and Brooks unlikely to make the final roster, the primary focus for the Texans will be the competition for Mixon's backup role.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor played only one drive but saw two looks in the team's second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. The third-year wideout reeled in one of his two targets for an impressive 31-yard nab on 3rd-and-7 as he continues to impress for the competition of third wide receiver on the Vikings. The two players ahead of Nailor -- Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison -- did not play, giving the former sixth-round selection an opportunity to shine. Given the open-ended nature of Addison's pending court hearing and possible suspension, wideout depth is critical to assess. Nailor has answered the call well in both preseason games, bringing in four receptions for 94 yards in his three preseason drives so far. He's the clear favorite for a Vikings team that loves to use three-receiver sets.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold won't be active for Saturday's preseason showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Instead, No. 2 signal-caller Nick Mullens will get the start. With J.J. McCarthy (knee) out for the season, Darnold is now atop the Vikings depth chart. The 27-year-old spent his first six seasons in the league with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. However, he never met expectations, throwing for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions while completing just 59.7% of his throws. While McCarthy could still eventually earn the starting job in Minnesota, Darnold has a chance to turn things around this season, especially with Justin Jefferson on the roster, arguably the top wideout in the National Football League.

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) was officially placed on the season-ending injured reserve on Friday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the Vikings signed quarterback Matt Corral, who will compete for the No. 3 job. McCarthy missed practice earlier this week as he was dealing with knee soreness but eventually underwent an MRI, which showed a tear in his meniscus. The Michigan product underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and will now focus on recovering for the 2025 season. This is a tough blow for the former national champion, who looked quite sharp in the pro debut on Saturday as he went 11-for-17 with 188 passing yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should expect Sam Darnold to serve as the starting quarterback in Minnesota this season, with Nick Mullens slotted as the No. 2.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) appears to have avoided a serious injury after exiting Wednesday's training camp practice. It has been an awful couple of days for the Vikings organization. However, there is somewhat good news regarding the status of Addison. Head coach Kevin O'Connell says that Addison has avoided a major ankle injury. That should give fans a sigh of relief after Addison was carted off the field on Wednesday. The team should give more information soon, but it sounds like Addison isn't going to miss a lengthy period of time.