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The Vikings wrapped their 2026 preseason slate with a 34-6 loss at the Broncos on Friday night, returned early Saturday morning and began work reducing the roster from 91 (including the offseason international exemption) to the regular-season max of 53. Check out the Initial 53 here.

Even though all first- and some second-teamers on offense and defense did not take the field at Denver, Minnesota did accomplish a bit of altitude training for those players with a comprehensive workout at RugbyTown, USA in Glendale, Colorado.

Denver is famously known as the "Mile High City" for its elevation of 5,280 feet, and Head Coach Kevin O'Connell appreciated the opportunity to prepare players for their game against the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City, where the elevation for Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) is more than 7,300 feet.

"We definitely wanted our team to feel it," O'Connell said about the altitude. "We actually took all the guys that didn't play in the football game … [to a] great grass field at RugbyTown. They were tremendous hosts and had a great setup for us. We worked those guys for the better part of an hour-and-a-half and really got a lot of work done.

"We did something similar last year in Nashville [for the preseason finale], but to get the altitude … I think it'll be a great kind of precursor, and then we've got some plans as that game approaches on how we're going to handle it," O'Connell added.

Sunday marked the deadline for all teams' rosters to be reduced to 53 through roster moves that can include releasing (vested veterans) or waiving players. Players who are released are free to sign anywhere. Players who are waived are subject to claims by other teams and become free agents if every team passes on claiming the player. Teams, including the Vikings, also made some trades and utilized other classifications for the roster.

Teams can begin forming their practice squads today after the waiver process concludes for players who were waived yesterday.

It's easily one of the toughest weeks of the year for players and coaches. NFL practice squads expanded to 16 players a few years back, and that has helped in many ways, including the opportunity to retain players for development. Throw in getting back from Denver so late, er early, and it was a very compressed weekend.

Quickly though, last week brought the unveiling of the Vikings Rivalries uniforms, which will be worn in a game for the first time when Minnesota hosts Detroit on Dec. 20. The uniforms linked Viking history into the threads, and we'll start today with that topic before some other conversation items.

Dear Minnesota Vikings Organization,

I have been a Vikings fan for more than 40 years, and I can honestly say I have never been this excited about a Vikings uniform.

The Rivalries uniform immediately struck me as something different. The darker, battle-ready aesthetic, the textures, the subtle Nordic influences and the way the historical elements are incorporated all come together beautifully. Nothing feels forced or cartoonish. The references are there for those who recognize them, while the overall design simply stands on its own as an incredible football uniform.

What makes it particularly meaningful to me is my own passion for Viking Age history. I have spent a great deal of time learning about the culture, artwork and mythology of the Viking Age, and seeing those influences thoughtfully incorporated into the identity of the team I've supported for more than four decades genuinely means something to me.

I've always felt that the Vikings have an extraordinary opportunity that very few sports franchises possess. The Viking Age is recognizable around the world. Its art, symbolism, ships, exploration and warrior traditions have a visual and cultural identity that people can recognize even if they know very little about American football.

The Rivalries uniform, to me, is the first time I've really felt that potential being expressed so completely.

I'm not suggesting that the Rivalries uniform itself should replace the current uniforms. In fact, I hope it remains special and distinct. What I would love to see is the design philosophy behind it inspire a future permanent uniform. Take the elements that make Rivalries so powerful and develop something entirely new that can stand on its own, while allowing Rivalries to remain the "battle armor" reserved for those special rivalry games.

After seeing this uniform, I can't help imagining what a permanent Vikings identity could look like if it drew more deeply from authentic Viking Age artistic traditions while remaining unmistakably modern NFL design.

And I think there is something much bigger there as well. As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, the Vikings have an incredibly unique foundation to build upon. "Vikings" is already a globally recognizable identity. There is no need to invent that story. It already exists. Minnesota has the opportunity to connect that history, Nordic-inspired art and the modern Vikings organization in a way that could make the team's visual identity truly distinctive anywhere in the world.

I realize the people responsible for the team's branding and design have undoubtedly thought deeply about these possibilities, and I'm certainly not writing to tell them how to do their jobs. I'm writing because, as a lifelong fan and someone who genuinely loves Viking Age history, the Rivalries uniform made me excited about the future of the Vikings' visual identity in a way I haven't experienced before.

Whatever ultimately comes from it, I hope the organization recognizes just how special this design feels to fans like me.

You've created something that doesn't merely look like a Vikings uniform.

It feels like the Vikings.

Thank you for giving a lifelong fan something new to get excited about.

Skol,

— Nathan Johnson, a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan from Fargo, North Dakota

I'll admit a bias, but the Vikings brand is one of the coolest in sports because of how well it syncs with relentlessness, innovation and perseverance, as well as the region.

In case you didn't have a chance to read about the design inspiration, please check out Lindsey Young's story from last week. I appreciate Nathan's keen observations about the intentional connections achieved. I forwarded the comments to coworkers who were involved in the design process.

We also recorded videos of players reacting to the uniforms, and it seems like they are genuinely excited about the look.

There are dozens of topics for Vikings fans leading into the opener against Green Bay. There are discussion points from the new GM to the long snapper (Andrew DePaola), currently the oldest player on the roster. I'll focus on two. The first is my take on the QBs room, which has been talked to death. Consider this beating a dead horse with a Gjallarhorn. If, and these are big IFs, J.J. McCarthy wants out or there is a locker room issue or a management issue with McCarthy, this viewpoint gets shaded by any of that. Barring those qualifiers, the contract tells the story. He is on Year 3 of a four-to-five-year, team-friendly rookie deal with the fifth-year option in play. Green Bay makes a habit of this, and it's worked reasonably well if two Gold Jackets mean anything (Brett Favre/Aaron Rodgers). And the idea that having two QBs means you don't have one, I offer the Packers again, as well as Steve Young and Joe Montana in San Francisco. It can't work forever, but for 2-3 years it has been proven viable. I would even throw in Pro Bowlers and teammates Tommy Kramer and Wade Wilson in that mix.

None of the top 3 QBs on the Vikings roster have a stellar injury history. I calculate the odds of the backup playing meaningful snaps this year at 80/20. I think the over/under percentage on the third string QB playing snaps at 50%. McCarthy is still very young. Many QBs do not reach potential until well into late 20s and even 30s. Fran Tarkenton was quoted as saying most QBs aren't worth a 'darn' until 30. I give you Rich Gannon, who went from journeyman to league MVP. Keep McCarthy. Unless. See above.

Point #2: Run the ball emphasis? Sigh. I've heard this before. The last time it was tried, Stefon Diggs forced his way out for Buffalo. But the fool's gold of forcing a running game goes back to Jerry Burns and a team with RBs Darrin Nelson, Rick Fenney and Alfred Anderson. No Gold Jackets there. That team also carried Anthony Carter who, when featured, rewrote playoff records. The strategy should not be "force a running game that will be average," especially when the receiving corps is the strength of the offense. The archetype should be Bud Grant, who when drafting Chuck Foreman designed an offense, later known as West Coast, in which the primary feature was to get Foreman with the ball in space and let him spin, break tackles, elude and score. In other words, tailor an offense to utilize team and player strengths. Current RB talent is very fine, but it is far from the strength of the team. Play to your strengths and force the defense to adjust. Then you can utilize other aspects of the offense.

Super Bowl teams that win with a running game emphasis have elite defenses and stud running backs. This is how we have rings on fingers of Joe Flacco, Brad Johnson, Jeff Hostetler and now Sam Darnold. Emphasizing the run with this group of good but not great tailbacks is not a recipe for success. Play to your strength. Please.

Skol!

— Jeff K. in Sacramento, California

The quarterback situation will continue to be talked about quite a bit. In the previous 10 years (Vikings.com began tracking numbers at each position kept on the Initial 53 in 2016), the Vikings have kept three quarterbacks nine times. The only exception was 2021 when the team retained two QBs on the 53.

Minnesota was one of four teams in the NFL this year to roster four QBs on its Initial 53, which I'll note could continue to evolve through different iterations.

What I can relay to you is I've seen the bonds with many teammates from different position groups that McCarthy has been able to make, despite some ups and downs on the field. Those situations aren't necessarily during the media windows, and if they are, they sometimes haven't been relayed. There have been some other portrayals that are not how I would have characterized things (and some were even walked back mildly this offseason), as well, but everyone sees things through their own lenses, I suppose.

I think the bottom line is teams know the importance of stability at quarterback and the value of depth players having strong familiarity with an offense and teammates. I'm not going to pretend to know how any of this will shake out, but Tarkenton's second stint with Minnesota and Gannon's eventual success with the Raiders (he was at TCO Performance Center for SiriusXM on the day Kyler Murray was named the starter, by the way) are quality examples of things clicking well later into their careers.

I've previously wished in this space the NFL would create a QB development rule where a player could be designated as such and rostered but not count against the 53-player max.

I can't even imagine what it was like to have Montana and Young simultaneously, but that was key to San Francisco's dynasty. Green Bay's transition from Favre to Rodgers to Jordan Love is pretty much uncanny.

On the "run the ball" emphasis, I think the results will be better this year, and I also believe that could force defenses to be more honest and decide how much they are going to direct resources toward guarding against the passing game. Minnesota's offense needs to sustain more drives and make them last longer this season. I also really like what I've seen along the left side of the offensive line with Christian Darrisaw and Donovan Jackson. That 18-yard pop on the first play of the preseason seems long ago. Hopefully the next instance is closer to today than that instance.

I hate to see them trade Walter Rouse. A great human being with a lot of potential. Only eight linemen on the roster. Seems thin. How soon will Michael Jurgens return? You have to love Chaz Chambliss. Another "whatever it takes to help my team win" player. Four QBs? Are they afraid someone might snag him before the practice squads are formed?

— Gerald Goblirsch

When you get to do this long enough, you know that you might not have an opportunity to say goodbye in person to players and coaches you've enjoyed getting to know. Rouse had entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2024 and played sparingly at tackle the past two seasons. It looked like he worked really hard at guard this training camp and preseason, and his pancake block against the Ravens was good enough to be served at Al's in Dinkytown.

Beyond that, his genuine love for helping people in the community and his cheerfulness (and politeness) when visiting our VEN area of the building are incredibly appreciated. He's a big man with a huge heart, and I know colleagues wish him nothing but the best.

The decision to keep four QBs on the Initial 53 allows Minnesota to hold as many cards as possible at the sport's most important position, but the roster math must be addressed elsewhere.

Jurgens will be eligible to return to game action after Minnesota's fourth contest of the season. The way teams can elevate from the practice squad also provides a little more leeway for managing depth across positions. On game days, teams usually only have eight active linemen, although they might make it nine if a starter is banged up going into the game.

The more people learn about Chambliss, the more they'll like him. It was a unique approach to his story becoming more known this camp, but it also provided a fun scene.

I have three suggestions for your consideration during the short break before the start of the regular season.

1) To NFL reporters: Instead of projecting 2027 mock drafts, I think that your time would be better served reevaluating your 2026 post draft grades, which you assigned to teams back in April. I know…now that prospects have become players some of these insights may have become less than accurate. However, if you can't analyze… perhaps you shouldn't criticize. If you can't support them — stop trying to sell us on your bogus draft grades.

2) To the NFL: For the Week 8 games, please consider having each team's head coach dress in the attire of a prior head coach from that team's past. I think it would be a nice tribute, and the team's fans would enjoy these types of throwback uniforms during the Halloween weekend.

3) To Vikings Entertainment Network: Consider making a version of the Viking Radio polo shirt (like Pete Bercich wore during his Inside Vikings Training Camp interview) available for purchase. I think that type of shirt would be a popular item for the Vikings Locker Room Store.

Good luck with the season.

Skol,

— Bill Dunn in Fairfield, Connecticut

Drafts are inexact sciences, and some projections come to fruition, but others do not. There's a "hot take" culture built on trying to garner attention in a crowded space, but there's also been some "receipts" issued in the dunk-on-people culture that circulates on social media.

I think it's best to say someone can be right about somethings and wrong about others, but if people develop opinions with as much valid information as possible, then it's probably going to help the dialogue that fills the void between the Super Bowl and the next season's Kickoff Weekend.

I don't want to speak for O'Connell's sideline attire, but I think it would be cool to see him rock a polo and purple pants similar to what Bud wore (on display in the Minnesota Vikings Museum, by the way) in Week 1 for the Classic game. I also believe he's looking forward to the sideline swag for the Rivalries game. Pete will be happy to know you commented on his polo!

Reflection and Forward Thinking re: NFL Preseason Games Purpose, Format and Rewards rules change.

Watching my Minnesota Vikings three preseason games of 2026 proved to me this year more than ever that the NFL, teams, fans and games are missing out on a huge opportunity to be taken to the next level of serious competition. The stakes can be raised with benefit incentives that would truly matter with consequences.

1. FORMAT:

Two games. One home & one away game per preseason. Each game truly matters for each NFL team.

2: PURPOSE:

A greater purpose and incentive for preseason games while driving greater local, regional and national media viewership and sponsorship revenue across the league. Additionally, the home preseason game for each team will have increased attendance, F&B revenue and corporate participation and related revenue.

3: TEAM REWARD A:

Teams that have the highest offensive points total and also win both preseason games receive an extra draft pick during the very next NFL Draft. Either during the second or third round selection within the Top 10 picks of the round.

4: TEAM REWARD B:

Teams who win both preseason games automatically win the coin toss for the start of the first two regular season games.

5: TEAM REWARD C:

Teams who win both preseason games automatically and hold their opponent to seven or fewer points per each preseason game will receive a free offensive 2-point conversion attempt at the end of the team-rewarded selection of one game during the regular season or playoff game.

I realize the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL Owners, NFL Competition Committee and NFLPA need to weigh-in.

Greatly appreciate your feedback and comments.

SKOL Vikes!

Kevin D., Vikings Purple Blood Fan Since 1969

Minnesota — California — Switzerland

And…

As a reminder, the league average number of points scored by team per game was 25.9. The Vikings couldn't manage that in three games. Yeah, but it's preseason. Seems like it's also preseason for the other teams, as well. So unless there is a HUGE gap between the first and second/third teams (like driving around in a Yugo when you have a Lamborghini in the garage), it'll be a long year. Plenty of time for them to figure out who to take with their top 5 pick in 2027.

I've been waiting since 1961. I'm running out of time. Conflicted over how to count 1969 when they won the NFL Championship (last one pre-NFL/AFL merger) but lost the Super Bowl (the only one in which they were favored).

— Dave Sinclair in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

On the heels of a preseason in which Minnesota scored one touchdown over the course of three games, I can understand there would be a desire for jazzing things up a little bit.

The incentives proposed by Kevin are intriguing. We've seen preseasons go from six games (during the 14-game season) to four (when the league expanded to 16 games in the season) to three (now a 17-game season), so reducing by one more might involve trying to expand to 18.

Each team will have different goals for each of its preseason games. O'Connell clearly prioritized trying to have everyone on the first team as healthy as possible for Week 1, and with good reason with back-to-back division games out of the gate.

Now, the lack of in-game scenarios might bite back from time to time early in regular-season games, but having the roster in good health and maintaining any elements of surprise in Week 1 are deeply valued by O'Connell.

I don't think the NFL would be enticed to modify draft order, and there could be a problem if a matchup featured teams that won both preseason contests. Ideally, preseason games will yield a few more highlights than the past couple of games without compromising the big-picture team goals.

To all who bleed purple, Skol, y'all.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that has concerns about the offensive output. I find it rather offensive but not in a flattering way. I hope things can get on track more than one TD in three games.

The defense? I feel better. The interior d-linemen make me sleep better than counting sheep. Jalen Redmond and the two rookies (Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange) are going to terrify those who want to try their luck in the middle and step up in the pocket. The edge brings Vikings fans comfort. Opponents? Not so much.

Always like the quality of the second-tier guys. Keep up the good work.

The secondary is not bad — especially when you consider the huge turnover and the ability to see some of the newbies enjoy their moments this early. Jamal Adams' injury gutted me though.

Been watching the Canadian Football League. I like it, and so should Viking fans when you consider Warren Moon, Joe Kapp and Bud Grant came from there.

Trivia note: I believe Bud Grant to be the only person to play in the NFL and NBA.

— Jason G. in Gallipolis, Ohio

Redmond seems to be one of the least-talked about players with the potential of wrecking a series for an opposing offense. It's just fun to watch him work, and the Vikings love how talented and deep their defensive line is. It's expected to be a real strength of the team.

The front seven has had some days to write home about during camp practices, particularly in the two sessions against the Ravens, and the secondary is meshing with the group.

Adams' injury was so heartbreaking and is a painful reminder of trying to get to Week 1 as healthy as possible. He was looking like a dynamic addition to this defense. It was great to see him back out at practice and engaging with teammates from a motorized cart.

On the last note, the way I had heard it was Grant was the only person, but it turns out, he appears to be the only person drafted in both leagues who played in both leagues.

According to pro-football-reference.com and its sibling basketball-reference.com, Minnesotan Clint Wager (from Winona) suited up as an undrafted player for the Chicago Bears (1942) and Chicago Cardinals (1943-45) in the NFL before later joining the NBA's Fort Wayne Pistons during the 1949-50 season, which was Grant's first of two years with the Minneapolis Lakers. Grant then played for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons (1951-52) before heading to Canada.

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