EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are touching down in Newark this evening and will begin their 2026 exhibition schedule at MetLife Stadium at noon (CT) Saturday against the new-era New York Giants.

It's not quite the feel of Week 1, but it's real football and a real opportunity for Minnesota to collectively build on the first three weeks of training camp and for players to gain comfort and prove they belong.

The Vikings on Tuesday tabbed Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy. Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said Minnesota plans to play both. Veteran Carson Wentz and second-year QB Max Brosmer also could log their first snaps of the preseason.

The team's first unofficial depth chart was released Wednesday.

We're planning comprehensive game previews for the regular season but will pare them down for the next three weeks to narrow the focus, since the preseason is packed with upstart performances via guys vying for larger roles or roster spots, and the games often feature vanilla schematics to not give away advantages.

One thing we'll note about the Giants is they're led by John Harbaugh, who was dismissed by Baltimore in January after 18 seasons. Harbaugh, 63, has the 14^th-most wins in history (180-113; .614), and he led the Ravens to 24 consecutive preseason victories from 2016-23, breaking the prior NFL-best streak of 19.

We'll learn more about the G-Men in real time.

Let's begin with three Vikings offensive players to scope out:

Gavin Bartholomew | TE | Class of 2025

The second-year tight end who missed all of last season (and preseason) with a back injury has three huge things going for him: health, momentum and — now that we've watched him for an entire offseason program and a baker's dozen camp practices — the athleticism that could make him a mismatch.

Mainly working with the second offense, Bartholomew has made slight work of short and mid-range passes. His twitch and quicks help get him open, and his strength through contact has resulted in many catches in tight windows. He occasionally stretches the seams and sidelines, too.

Bartholomew (6-foot-5, 249 pounds) can really boost his summer stock with a solid two-way performance as a receiver and blocker this preseason. He's part of a tight ends room that's headlined by T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver. The group includes 2025 undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek, who played 116 snaps on offense in 12 games as a rookie.

Jeshaun Jones | WR | Class of 2024

A consistent performer at training camp so far, Jones could be on the cusp of the next stage in his career after serving the Vikings practice squad the past two seasons and receiving an elevation in Week 18 in 2025 to make his professional debut on special teams, in which he returned two punts for 5 yards against the Packers.

At 6-foot-1, 188 pounds, Jones has quality size that translates to good play strength in his routes and at the catch point. He's had his share of hot streaks in practices, racking multiple catches in some periods. He's savvy enough to play different receiver roles, and he also could be a factor as a punt returner.

Jones' journey is a testament to development, and his perseverance to progress behind the scenes. If he is able to produce in the preseason like he has on the grass at TCO Performance Center, he'll enhance his pitch to make the 53-man roster — or at the very least be trusted, again, on the practice squad.

Walter Rouse | OL | Class of 2024

In all seriousness, nobody brings — and maintains — energy the way Rouse does. The 2024 sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma (after Stanford) played in one game on special teams as a rookie and then debuted on offense in Week 2 last season. Rouse played 88 offensive snaps (four appearances), and 38 on special teams overall in 2025. The most important information, however, is that Rouse played tackle on offense.

He's changed positions since and is pushing to make the team in a new role.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Rouse has kicked inside for his third camp, drilling at guard — and has handled the transition well. He's got a sturdy anchor, quick feet to move on wide zone blocks and the IQ to pass off twists and recognize blitzes. As important, Rouse's optimistic outlook and hard work could ease the transition.

On the defensive side, here are three players of interest:

Chuck Demmings | CB | Rookie

The fifth-round pick from Stephen F. Austin has parlayed a good spring into a phenomenal summer so far. Off the field, his personality is uniquely infectious. Demmings is a spiritual leader, a sapient messenger and a first-rate example of someone whose age, 23, pales to his knowledge about life and approach to football. And, on the field, Demmings is the best kind of pest. He's fast and physical, and he's contested WRs daily.

Through 13 practices, Demmings has shown the ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage, stick with speedsters down the field, break up passes at a high clip and celebrate with confidence that rubs off on the rest of the group. He's jumped seamlessly, like his 42-inch vertical, from the FCS level to the NFL.

Look for Demmings (6-1, 193) to carry his production into the preseason. If he can, it would heighten an already deeper cornerback room from 2025 that's led by Byron Murphy, Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and veteran newcomer James Pierre. Second-year UDFA Zemaiah Vaughn is another corner who has flashed in camp.

Jake Golday | LB | Rookie

Golday seems to offer a complete package on paper: 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, runs like a gazelle and has versatility that's drawn comparisons to Andrew Van Ginkel (a lofty projection). He's been an absolute blast to watch as he's plugged running holes, tipped balls in the flat and made targets over the middle quiver when they've heard his footsteps. So far, he looks like a legit steal with the 51^st pick.

Golday figures to get his first snaps stacked off the ball, where he's primarily played in practice, but he also has a history of rushing the passer and hanging over receivers in the slot, so don't be shocked when he starts moving across the defense like Van Ginkel has done before. We're predicting a takeaway or sack — or both — in his first action against an NFL opponent. If not then, it's only a matter of time for him.

Elijah Williams | DL | Class of 2025

The longest shot of training camp last season, Williams signed with the Vikings out of HBCU Morgan State after he participated in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Every step of the way, he impressed — and made the initial 53-man roster before appearing in seven games and making nine tackles as a rookie. Now, he gets to go home (he's from Jersey City) and try to do it all over again. That is, play his way onto the team.

Williams, 6-3, 298, has continued his upward trajectory in his second camp. He's got plenty of wiggle and hustle in his body (you might remember him decking a Titans kickoff returner in the preseason finale last year), and he's honed a pass-rush tool bag that he's utilized nicely in 1-on-1 and 11-on-11 reps in practices.

Although the d-line is unquestionably deeper after bulking up with draft picks Caleb Banks and Domonique "Big Citrus" Orange, and free-agent additions Isaiahh Loudermilk and Eric Johnson II, Williams can pair his progress with one year in the system under his belt to help protect his place in the Vikings future plans.

Now, zooming out, here are three topics that are top of mind:

Execution of the starting offense

It's likely Murray will play a series or two at most on Saturday. Justin Jefferson won't be making his preseason debut ahead of his seventh pro season but plenty of other starters will be in action. That means we'll see Murray against a live, but not game-planned defense — not counting Brian Flores' defense in the compete periods — for the first time this summer, which should bode greatly for him because 1) he can tap into his elite rushing ability if necessary; and 2) he won't be looking down the barrel at the kind of mayhem Flo' loves to create with exotic looks.

It's a good opportunity for Murray to demonstrate his command, timing and, if need be, his playmaking — and to work out any kinks with veteran Blake Brandel, who has embraced his move to starting center.

Forming defensive presence

Harrison Smith probably wouldn't play Saturday … if he was part of the team. But since "The Hitman" is hanging in retire-or-return limbo, we know for certain he won't be on the sideline, and that'll be strange. Among the things that will be missed are Smith's instincts, range, ball skills, intellect and communication.

The latter is fundamental to Flores' system and an area Smith excelled. So, observing the first defense, however long they're in the game, adjust and react without him will be interesting — not completely unprecedented, as Smith missed a portion of training camp and two games last season, but an opportunity to pressure test communication. Joshua Metellus and linebacker Blake Cashman are key in ensuring the defense is calm, not chaotic. After they exit, though, and younger players are in the game alone, it's worth tracking the mouthpieces — the guys signaling calls and helping teammates get set under duress.

Is there a young safety with a veteran presence? What about a communicative linebacker?

Ways to stand out on special teams

Performance in the third phase can seriously help or hurt a player's chances of making the roster. Splashes, just like mistakes, are pronounced for returners, making ball security paramount. A very thin line exists between doing enough to pop and doing too much to put possessions or the team in jeopardy. Whether it's Myles Price or Demond Claiborne or Dontae Fleming (or others) returning punts or kicks, it's worth monitoring who is fearless and strains to make a play, just not at the expense of everyone else.

Similarly, watch for the players who make a tackle(s) on kickoff and punt coverage — how quickly they get to the ball and the different methods they use to manipulate and destruct blocks. There's a proven pathway for fringe roster players to impact special teams, then advance to offensive and defensive jobs.

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