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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy impressed on Tuesday's practice, specifically in red zone drills. According to Vikings.com Senior Editor Craig Peters, "his next pass play involved perfectly playing the ball with velocity and accuracy where only receiver Thayer Thomas could make a play on the ball." McCarthy has been more vocal about his confidence this week, telling reporters "Just looking at the guys around me and the coaching staff like that gives me all the confidence in the world to go out there — knowing [what] I've got at my back, at all of our backs — I just get goosebumps right now just thinking about it." Despite the praise, it appears Minnesota is unsure about the depth they have at the position. The team traded Sam Howell and a sixth-round pick to the Eagles for a fifth- and seventh-round pick. The team also immediately signed Carson Wentz. McCarthy did not play in Saturday's preseason finale. In the Vikings' final preseason game on Friday, McCarthy was held out, giving way to extended playing time for Max Brosmer. Brosmer made the most of his opportunity, leading the team with an impressive 15-of-23 passing for 161 yards and the Vikings' lone passing touchdown. In contrast, Brett Rypien struggled to find his rhythm, completing 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards while throwing an interception.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Vikings' running back room continues to take shape as the regular season approaches, with third-string back Zavier Scott earning praise for his standout work in camp. Scott has shown a knack for turning screen passes into significant gains, adding valuable depth to the position with his ability to make plays after the catch. The team bolstered its backfield this week by signing former New York Jets running back Xazavian Valladay. Meanwhile, primary running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, considered the team's 1a and 1b options, were held out of Friday's preseason finale to ensure they enter the regular season healthy and rested. In their absence, Valladay led the reserves with eight carries for 39 yards, while Scott contributed five carries for 28 yards, reinforcing the Vikings' depth at the position as they prepare for the regular season.