The second week of the preseason is arguably the most important.
Much like week three used to be before the 17th game was added last year, week two is treated like a dress rehearsal. This game has some game planning involved and gives players and teams a true game week experience.
Usually, the starters will play a significant amount of time. Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, that might not be the case for the Vikings having spent two days facing the 49ers in joint practices.
RB Ty Chandler rolled an ankle Wednesday and didn't practice today. O'Connell was optimistic that he will play in Saturday's preseason game vs. 49ers. O'Connell didn't reveal lineup decisions, but I doubt many front-line guys will play after going hard for 2 days this week.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 18, 2022
If they don’t play much on Saturday, it will be great for the young players to get some extra reps in. With the game not meaning anything from a record standpoint, the score is less important than the performance of players and units.
Here are four things that you need to be watching out for during Saturday’s game.