The Minnesota Vikings have a couple of hotly contested and highly important training camp battles that could determine just how well the 2024 season goes. Obviously, there’s the battle at quarterback between veteran Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy. Darnold is still on schedule to start the season, but McCarthy could play earlier than many think — especially if Saturday’s preseason debut is any indication.
The other big position battle on the Vikings squad is the battle for the third wide receiver spot behind presumed starters, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Coming into camp, it was widely assumed that veteran Brandon Powell had the upper hand in the competition against the likes of Jalen Nailor and Trishton Jackson.
However, that may not happen after the team’s first preseason game. Both Nailor and Jackson had strong performances on the night. More importantly, both wide receivers seemed to have an obvious rapport with both quarterbacks. On the other hand, Powell failed to make any real impact at all. Worse, he didn’t seem to be on the same page with the offense.
Jackson led the way for the Vikings receivers against the Las Vegas Raiders, seeing five targets on the night and turning them into four catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Nailor wasn’t far behind Jackson, with four targets, three receptions, and 63 yards.
In contrast, Powell only played eight snaps on the night, failing to get a target or reception.
Obviously, it’s important not to draw too many conclusions from a preseason game — particularly the first one. However, when you combine Powell’s absence in the game with the reports out of training camp that Nailor has been impressive, it paints a picture of Powell falling down the depth chart.