Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings appear unlikely to have starting running back Aaron Jones against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. He was held out of practice on Thursday for an undisclosed reason, watching from the sideline. It remains unclear what's keeping Jones out of action for the Vikings, but fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned for the time being. Jones is entering his age-30 season during his first year in Minnesota, lining up as the team's lead back and a midrange RB2 option in fantasy to begin 2024 after producing the second-most yards per route run (1.85) at his position among qualifiers in 2023 with the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Additionally, the former Pro Bowler surpassed 115 scrimmage yards in each of his final five appearances of the campaign, including the postseason.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is not likely to be ready for Week 1 of the new NFL season. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Hockenson could miss anywhere from three to seven weeks to start the season as he still recovers from an ACL tear last year. Despite some of the latest reports saying that he's recovering ahead of schedule, it doesn't seem like the Vikings will take any chances and make sure he's as close to 100% healthy as possible. That means backups Josh Oliver, Robert Tonyan, and Johnny Mundt will compete to see who gets a bulk of the workload while Hockenson remains sidelined.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the team will play the majority of their players in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Sam Darnold will start under center, and then rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy will get "a significant amount of work." Jaren Hall will come in after McCarthy. Nick Mullens, who has the most experience in the system, might not play much but will get more playing time later in the preseason. Unsurprisingly, Darnold, a former first-rounder himself, was listed atop the team's preseason depth chart and is fully expected to open the year as the starter as the Vikings slowly develop McCarthy as the long-term starter at QB. The 27-year-old Darnold is in the best offense talent-wise of his career, but he still won't be much more than a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy formats.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is unlikely to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. This doesn't appear to be health related as Jefferson seems to be fine heading into the preseason. The Vikings simply don't want to risk an injury in an exhibition game. Sam Darnold is slated to start and should be followed by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The absence of Jefferson won't give the quarterbacks a chance to get more in-game chemistry with their star wideout. However, the health of Jefferson is more important and there will be more preseason contests.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is going to get his first taste of professional football on Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sam Darnold will draw the start under center before McCarthy takes over. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the rookie signal-caller will get a significant amount of work during the preseason opener. Second-year quarterback Jaren Hall is expected to play after McCarthy exits the contest. The Vikings appear to be making this a legitimate competition, but McCarthy is looked upon as the quarterback of the future in Minnesota.