NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell closed the 2025 preseason by resting players listed on the first team — and then some — on both sides of the ball.
For Minnesota's offense: quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Sam Howell, receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor and Tai Felton, running backs Aaron Jones, Sr., Jordan Mason and Ty Chandler, fullback C.J. Ham, tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, and offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Brian O'Neill, Justin Skule and Blake Brandel did not play.
Minnesota opened with Max Brosmer at QB, Zavier Scott at RB, Ben Yurosek at TE, Thayer Thomas, Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones at WR, Leroy Watson IV at LT, Michael Gonzalez at LG, Vershon Lee at C, Joe Huber at RG and Logan Brown at RT.
For the Vikings defense: defensive linemen Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave and Jalen Redmond, outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, linebackers Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace, Jr., and Eric Wilson, cornerbacks Byron Murphy, Jr., Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, and safeties Harrison Smith, Joshua Metellus and Theo Jackson did not play.
The defense opened with Tyler Batty and Bo Richter at OLB, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Jonathan Harris and Taki Taimani at DL, Austin Keys and Kobe King at LB, Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern, Jr., at CB, and Jay Ward and Tavierre Thomas at S.
Similar to Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel in Preseason 2, Titans Head Coach Brian Callahan opted to play multiple starters on both sides of the ball, including 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and veteran defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.