3 Takeaways From Vikings Brutal Preseason Loss to Broncos

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The Minnesota Vikings ended the preseason with a 34-6 loss to the Denver Broncos. The result matters very little, but for some, this game is as important as any game with the final chance to make the case for being on the roster. For the most part, the Vikings are all set on both sides of the ball, but filling out the roster is important. 

Here are three takeaways from Friday night's game.

J.J. McCarthy is inactive with an injury

With rumors swirling surrounding McCarthy and his desire to remain a Viking, it was revealed before kickoff that the first-round pick would be inactive after suffering an injury during the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Now, it is possible McCarthy would have missed the game even if healthy. A conspiracy theory could be that the Vikings are holding out the quarterback in an effort to keep him as a trade asset ahead of cutdown day. Realistically, McCarthy is being held out because of an actual injury. 

What happens from here on out is anyone's guess, but McCarthy's absence from the preseason finale will only fuel speculation and the rumors. 

Dontae Fleming makes his final case for a roster spot

With Jeshuan Jones's upcoming suspension, Fleming has an opportunity to make his case to stay on the roster. After two preseason games that yielded a combined 26 receiving yards, Fleming caught four passes for 55 yards. Fleming played 35 snaps in the second preseason game without any starters and followed that up with 30 more snaps against the Broncos. 

Did Fleming do enough to warrant a roster spot? Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings are the first three options. Myles Price and Tai Felton are the next two. Could Fleming find a spot on the team or practice squad?

Kahlef Hailassie makes his mark

The strong safety played a team high 60 snaps and finished with a 91.8 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. With six tackles, two assists, two defensive stops, and a perfect coverage day with zero catches allowed on one target, Hailassie made quite the impression. 

The Vikings could be waiting for Harrison Smith, but as a potential depth piece, Hailassie made a convincing case. 

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