Minnesota Vikings News and Links: How many roster spots are open?

The second preseason game is over and it is hard to really assess where the position battles really lie. Most of us only see the games and have to rely on practice reports to determine which players the team is going to keep. The game left a little to be desired but there were some bright spots. I thought Max Brosmer looked pretty good. I could see the team keeping him on the final 53 and taking a chance that no other team will pick up Rypien. If they try that with Brosmer he could get picked up. Even if he is not picked up and signs onto the practice squad, another team could still sign him if he is not protected which can only happen four times. It will be interesting.

I wanted to see the wide receivers because Rondale Moore is out for the season and Jalen Nailor has a hand. I think that it could be time for the Vikings to look for alternatives. I do think that Thayer Thomas looked good. Some free agents still available are Amari Cooper, Gabriel Davis, Tyler Boyd, Brandon Powell, Jamison Crowder, and Allen Robinson among others. I like Gabriel Davis who is 26 years old and could be a longer term option. I would be surprised by any trade but not disappointed.

Trying to determine the final 53 is tough. Since there are an additional 16 players that can be added to the practice squad, the final 69 is probably easier right now.

One more preseason game to go.

Minnesota Vikings News and Links

10 takeaways from Vikings’ preseason loss to Patriots: Brosmer, Price, Scott and more

1. Myles Price makes a name for himself
   Price, an undrafted rookie free agent, might’ve played himself into the to kick and punt returner position as the Vikings enter the final two weeks before the regular season begins Sept. 8 in Chicago.

After catching the go-ahead touchdown in Minnesota’s preseason win over Houston last week, he exploded with a 21-yard punt return on his only attempt against the Patriots and added an 81-yard kick return late in the fourth quarter.

“This guy, to me, falls under the category, if we can get him comfortable catching it, he’s gott he skill set to make guys miss,” O’Connell said while mic’d up in the third quarter. Seconds later, Price returned a punt 21 yards.

“There it is. Make the first miss. That’s a helluva job right there,” O’Connell reacted live to the return.

10. Did any wide receivers step up?
    While Lucky Jackson had a bad drop and finished with only one catch for nine yards, the Vikings didn’t get much from any other receivers, either. Tai Felton had two catches for 32 yards. Jeshaun Jones had four catches for 39 yards. Myles Price had two receptions for 11 yards (his 18-yard catch was erased by a penalty). Thayer Thomas has one catch for eight yards.

*Who haven’t we mentioned? Tim Jones, who finished...