Projecting the Vikings’ Starting Lineup After the 2026 Roster Cuts

The Minnesota Vikings are now down to 53 players . The focus can shift toward that Week 1 Packers game. Who is going to be in the Vikings' starting lineup? Glad you asked. Consider what things could plausibly look like rolling into the NFC North battle on Sunday, September 13th.

Oh, and for the record, neither of Kevin O'Connell nor Nolan Teasley asked for my opinion. They know how to reach me if they're interested in my advice.

Part of what makes the Vikings compelling is the promise to be more multiple than in the past.

TE2 Josh Oliver is going to demand playing time (rightfully so; he's awesome). So is rookie FB Max Bredeson (rightfully so; he's awesome). Seeing Oliver, Bredeson, and Jennings all blocking on a Mason run is going to be a good football moment. Could Chaz Chambliss somehow get worked into the mix?

Coach O'Connell would be wise to figure out how to run the ball.

Similar to the offense, the Vikings' defense is going to be multiple.

Expect rookie DT Domonique Orange and LB Jake Golday to earn significant workloads. Likewise, S Jacob Thomas is on an upward trajectory, but we'll see what that means as a rookie. After all, he's an undrafted talent who has already done much to overcome the odds.

Questions: who gets to start alongside Metellus? What does 2026 look like for Caleb Banks?

Where there's some mystery is at returner. Myles Price will be the PR1. Does Tai Felton get leaned on as the PR2 if there's an injury?

As for kickoff return, the candidates consist of Price, Felton, Demond Claiborne, Dillon Bell, and maybe some others. A job to watch.