3 Vikings on Thin Ice After Preseason Week 2: Michael Jurgens Is Running Out of Time

With one week of exhibition play to go, can these three players save their jobs?

Michael Jurgens headlines a Vikings trio that's struggling to meet expectations as the 53-man roster deadline looms. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

There wasn't much to love about the Vikings' performance in their Week 2 preseason game against the Ravens. The 3-13 defeat on Saturday afternoon only shone a brighter spotlight on the problems facing the franchise heading into the 2026 NFL season.

The good news for the Vikings is that they still have time to improve. Minnesota has one more preseason game, along with several practices, to get the team up to speed and prepare them for the regular-season opener against the Packers.

Minnesota needs to identify problem areas and devise a plan to address those issues. Saturday's preseason game made it clear that three Vikings desperately need help if they want to save their jobs and should be considered on thin ice until they prove otherwise.

3. Michael Jurgens, center

Minnesota used a seventh-round draft pick on Michael Jurgens in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the team hoped the former Wake Forest blocker could turn into a solid contributor. Given that he has played 18 games for the Vikings, Jurgens should look like he knows what he's doing on the field.

Instead, he struggled mightily against the Ravens on Saturday, finishing with a 46.6 overall grade on Pro Football Focus after allowing two pressures on 37 snaps.

Michael Jurgens's performance vs. the Ravens on Saturday is one of the many reasons his outlook with the Vikings is up in the air. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If not for disgustingly shallow competition at center, Jurgens likely wouldn't have as much responsibility for the Vikings. He is still above Gavin Gerhardt and Delby Lemieux on Minnesota's depth chart, but that still shouldn't make him feel comfortable.

To add even more to Jurgens' situation, starter Blake Brandel has struggled mightily in practices, yet there is no credible threat to compete with him on the Vikings' roster. It wouldn't be surprising if Minnesota watches cuts around the league for a center or looks to trade for someone who could push Minnesota's offensive linemen.

2. Max Brosmer, quarterback

If not for the focus on J.J. McCarthy these days, there would be a lot more disappointment for Max Brosmer. The Vikings signed him as a priority free-agent quarterback after the 2025 NFL Draft and had high expectations for the former University of Minnesota standout.

Brosmer has not yet demonstrated the potential the Vikings hoped he could bring to the team. He has thrown a pass in six NFL games in his career, attempting a total of 71 throws, and has yet to toss his first touchdown as a pro, but has thrown four interceptions.

Saturday's preseason game against the Ravens was a reminder of the frustration Brosmer can cause. Even though he wasn't getting much help from his offensive line, the young passer looked uncomfortable under center and couldn't execute against Baltimore's third- and fourth-string defenses, even throwing an interception near the end of the game.

Silas Walters picks off Max Brosmer for the @Ravens INT

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/8WXVwIDnER

— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026

As it stands, Brosmer should be among the Vikings' roster cuts, and the team should evaluate whether to put him on the practice squad.

1. Caleb Banks, defensive line

When the Vikings selected Caleb Banks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, it surprised a lot of people. Analysts were quick to call him a reach at No. 18 overall and point to concerns about a foot injury that could linger for the big defender.

Through two preseason games, Banks does not look ready for the regular season. His disappointing performances against the Giants and Ravens only amplify existing concerns. It's a small sample size and "only" the preseason, but a 33.7 overall PFF grade and a 29.7 run defense grade are valid reasons to worry.

Banks is saying all the right things and seems to know what he needs to do to improve, but until he proves he is ready for the NFL, it may be in the Vikings' best interest to plan for someone else to start in defensive coordinator Brian Flores's unit.

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