2024 Minnesota Vikings Season Preview

Well, a whole lot has changed since I discussed the Vikings upcoming season with you all, and probably not in a good way.

What Has Changed?
That question has a long answer. First, the unfortunate and tragic passing of the Vikings 4th round pick from this year's draft, Khyree Jackson. Jackson had not even played an NFL snap before he had his life taken from him by a drunk driver. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Jackson's family as they grieve the loss of Khyree, as well as his two high school friends that were also in the car when the fatal accident occurred. The Vikings organization has decided to pay out Khyree's contract to his estate, and will be honoring him during this season by placing patches on the back of all the helmets and has painted a patch out at the Eagan practice facility outdoor fields. I don't normally do this, but I cannot stress this enough: do not drink and drive! Be responsible and get a ride home or have a designated driver, as it saves lives when you do.
The Vikings have had multiple injuries during the preseason. The most notable being rookie QB JJ McCarthy tearing his meniscus. He had it fully repaired after the first preseason game, and he will be unable to play this season. Next is the injury to starting corner Mekhi Blackmon, who tore his ACL in practice. Linebacker Gabriel Murphy is also injured to start the season with an undisclosed ailment. The Vikings are targeting a Week 5 return for Murphy. Just recently, Minnesota announced two more injury-related news clippings. Linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk has been placed on injured reserve and is available to return in Week 5 as well. Tight end TJ Hockenson, who tore both his ACL and MCL in a game against Detroit last season, is targeted to return in either Week 6 or 7. There were other players that were injured during the preseason, but it seems plenty of them will be ready to start the season. One of them being WR Jordan Addison who had plenty of issues this summer. Addison was caught drinking and driving in LA not long after Khyree Jackson was killed by a drunk driver, so that struck a chord for many Vikings fans. Addison also had ankle issues late in camp, but it appears he will start the season. 
Other things have changed as well, that are not injuries. Minnesota released former first round pick Lewis Cine at the last roster cut deadline a couple weeks ago. Cine was buried on the depth chart towards the end of last season and while he had started to turn things around - it was too little too late for the 3rd year safety. He was later picked up by the Bills. Rookie kicker Will Reichard out of Alabama will be Minnesota's kicker to start the season after competition John Parker Romo was released mid-way through camp. CB Stephon Gilmore was signed to a one year deal last week to shore up the lack of depth in the secondary due to injuries.

Expectations...
Honestly, I don't have any for this year. Now, when I wrote the schedule preview, I had some idea of how this team might do this year, but after training camp - I have no clue what this team will do. We knew that QB Sam Darnold would start the year for the Vikings regardless of how well McCarthy would do in camp, and now that JJ is out - Darnold will be the presumed starter for the year unless any issues arise. Since the team cut Kene Kwangwu at the end of camp, Ty Chandler will serve as the team's number 2 running back behind veteran Aaron Jones. The defense is still a little shaky as for who will start. 
I expect this team's ceiling to be around 9 wins, and the floor to be around 4 wins. I definitely do not expect the team to make the playoffs and would not be surprised if they finish last in the NFC North this year with the Bears presumably making a big step forward as well as the Lions and Packers being tough teams following last season. I expect this team to win 7 games this year and go 7-10.

Up Next
The Vikings start the season on Sunday afternoon in New York as they will play the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is at 12 PM CT.

SKOL!