The Minnesota Vikings concluded their preseason Friday night in Denver with a 34-6 loss to the Broncos. None of Minnesota’s starters played.Perhaps the most significant development came in the first quarter, when undrafted free-agent safety Jacob Thomas rolled his ankle. He did not return. After the game, coach Kevin O’Connell said Thomas has an ankle sprain and will get an MRI this weekend. His diagnosis is important at a position already navigating multiple injuries.Beyond that, NFL teams must evaluate their depth by Sunday afternoon. A flurry of activity is set to begin. Who are the likeliest players to make the Vikings’ 53-man roster? Here is our final projection:Top Plays from Vikings @ BroncosQuarterback (2)In: Kyler Murray, Carson WentzOut: J.J. McCarthy, Max BrosmerMcCarthy’s rough week added further murkiness about his status for 2026. The 23-year-old exited the second preseason game with an ankle injury, then practiced Monday and Tuesday. O’Connell gave him the day off Wednesday so that he could rest up enough to start Friday’s final preseason matchup with the Broncos. But McCarthy did not play. Wentz started and appears to be in line to be the team’s backup. McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota.The Vikings value Brosmer’s smarts and knowledge of the system, but his lackluster preseason performance casts some doubt on his future, as well.Running back (3)In: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond ClaiborneOut: Zavier ScottScott’s understanding of special teams complicates this choice. He also played 105 offensive snaps in 2025. The Vikings could slide him to the practice squad, a move that could open the door for a younger player with more developmental upside. Claiborne’s burst and explosiveness give him more time to learn O’Connell’s complex offensive scheme, but the Vikings are banking here on the health of Jones and Mason.Fullback (1)In: Max BredesonIf the Vikings are committed to reshaping their offense to emulate what the Miami Dolphins have done in recent years, they’ll need Bredeson to shine. He has taken to the team’s system quickly. Minnesota’s attention to the fullback position is clear given they’ve also worked edge rusher Chaz Chambliss at the role in practice to cover for Bredeson, if need be.Receiver (5)In: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, Myles PriceOut: Dillon Bell, Jeshaun Jones, Terrill Davis, Dontae Fleming, Michael Briscoe, Trayvon Rudolph, Marcus Sanders Jr.There isn’t much suspense here. Felton and Price established themselves as worthy backups if needed in a pinch.Maybe the biggest source of curiosity here is how often the Vikings will use 11 personnel in 2026. Jennings’ blocking ability gives the team a different way to dictate matchups with the defense. Exposing Bell to waivers might pique another team’s interest, especially given that he was sought after in undrafted free agency.Tight end (4)In: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek, Gavin BartholomewOut: Marshall Lang, Matt LauterTight end No. 3 remains one of the key roster pivot points. Yurosek is an admirable blocker with special teams experience, while Bartholomew catches passes with ease down the seams. Minnesota could roll with both. It could also explore the waiver wire for more veteran insurance.Projecting the tight end situation behind Hockenson and Oliver is one of the toughest tests in this 53-man exercise.Offensive line (9)In: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, Brian O’Neill, Ryan Van Demark, Caleb Tiernan, Michael Jurgens, Joe HuberOut: Walter Rouse, Vershon Lee, Joshua Gray, Tomas Rimac, Delby Lemieux, Gavin Gerhardt, Tristan LeighOne of the underrated storylines of training camp? The health and commitment of the starting offensive line. Brandel’s snap exchanges are worth watching when the season begins, but the consistency of the primary five has been vital.Injuries could leave the Vikings in a precarious position. Tiernan has a left ankle injury. Van Demark, Jurgens and Huber have all put both highs and lows on tape in the preseason. This is another area where the Vikings could look to add help.Defensive line (6)In: Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Domonique Orange, Caleb Banks, Elijah WilliamsOut: Isaiahh Loudermilk, Jahvaree Ritzie, Smith Vilbert, Jonathan HarrisProceed with these six, and the Vikings will be finalizing a drastic year-over-year transition. In 2025, aging veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave anchored the interior. Now, youth dominates the position.Rodriguez is a key piece of the Vikings defense at nose tackle, while Ingram-Dawkins’ versatility allows for flexibility on the front. Orange looks closer to contributing than Banks. But Williams’ preseason output caught the attention of NFL evaluators. The Vikings recognize his impact.Edge rusher (6)In: Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, free-agent signing, Tyler Batty, Bo Richter, Chaz ChamblissOut: Kenny Dyson, Cam’Ron StewartTrading Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles allowed Turner to assume a starting role. Teammates raved about his growth after joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. A breakout season could help Minnesota maintain its defensive standing near the top of the league.Backups like Batty, Richter and Chambliss received praise from coaches. Still, the Vikings could benefit from a productive pass-rushing veteran behind Turner and Van Ginkel. Hence, the inclusion of a free-agent signing, which could happen in the coming week.Linebacker (4)In: Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Jake Golday, Ivan Pace Jr.Out: Jacob Roberts, Bangally Kamara, Josh RossFew Vikings performed better than Cashman throughout training camp. He intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in joint practices with the Ravens. His comfort in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system is apparent. His partnership with Wilson matters with the safety spot in flux.Behind those two, the Vikings have more options than in recent years. Golday impressed during training camp off the ball and on the edge. Pace’s ability to wreak havoc makes him a weapon. Roberts’ preseason showings are deserving of an opportunity. Minnesota will have to assess how willing it’d be to watch another team lure him away.Cornerback (4)In: Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre, Charles DemmingsOut: Da’Veawn Armstead, Zemaiah Vaughn, Bryce Phillips, Jarod Washington, Tre Hawkins III, Marcus AllenMinnesota improved its cornerback depth this offseason. Pierre provides more anticipatory ability than Jeff Okudah did last year, and Demmings is more athletic than former Viking Fabian Moreau. Depending on the complexion of the safety room, Flores could utilize Pierre or Demmings against three-receiver sets.The team could also keep Armstead — an undrafted corner from North Texas — if it prefers a nickel body type with potential.Safety (6)In: Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, Jacob Thomas, Jakobe Thomas, free-agent signingOut: Tavierre Thomas, Kahlef HailassieThis position group comes with questions. First and foremost, will the Vikings roster Tavierre Thomas, whose role is mostly on special teams? And second, do the other safeties offer enough reliability?Tavierre Thomas only played 18 defensive snaps in 2025. Waiving him would require the Vikings to have a backup plan alongside receiver Tai Felton at gunner. But the possibility of choosing another offensive or defensive contributor could outweigh the gunner value.Meanwhile, we included a free-agent signee amid the uncertainty surrounding franchise legend Harrison Smith. The 37-year-old has not made a final decision on his future. Minnesota might need him to return to maximize its chances on the back end.Specialists (3)In: Will Reichard (K), Andrew DePaola (LS), Brett Thorson (P)Out: Johnny HekkerThere’s some intrigue at punter. The Vikings signed Hekker, who earned first-team All-Pro honors four times between 2013 and 2017, but his production dipped in recent years with the Panthers and Titans. That, paired with Thorson’s upside as the former Ray Guy Award winner at the University of Georgia, keeps the 26-year-old Australian viable. Minnesota would be taking a risk on Thorson’s holding ability. The reward could be a talented punter for the future.