The Minnesota Vikings released their first (unofficial) 2026 depth chart on Wednesday, ahead of the preseason opener on Saturday against the New York Giants. VikesNow covered the main takeaways here. Now, these are the jobs that are still unresolved. Rookie cornerback Charles Demmings leads the way, as his stunningly effective training camp performance evidently has not yet translated to the depth chart.
The club is also about two weeks away from pruning the 91-man roster to 53 players.
Where the Depth Chart and Training Camp Diverge
1. Gavin Bartholomew — TE4 Implies Fighting for Roster Spot
Bartholomew has produced a fantastic training camp, so much so that it felt like he had passed Ben Yurosek on the depth roster. This week’s reveal ruled that out – – for now. Yurosek remains the TE3 heading into the preseason.
Wes Phillips, the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, has been raving about Bartholomew’s athleticism and willingness to block. His receiving skills have also been a topic of conversation at camp. As a result, Saturday’s performance at New York is crucial. If Minnesota opts to keep only three regular tight ends, Bartholomew might need to outperform Yurosek to secure a roster spot, rather than merely confirming the one he’s widely expected to have – – at TE4.
The current depth chart scenario means Bartholomew’s impressive comeback story hasn’t yet guaranteed him a TE3 job.
2. Demond Claiborne — Why Is Zavier Scott Still Ahead of Him?
The Vikings drafted Claiborne in Round 6 back in April, and he won’t be released – – let’s just make that clear. But on the depth chart, he is the RB4 behind Scott, and if that holds, Minnesota will keep four tailbacks, not three. That’s possible; it’s just not common for the Kevin O’Connell-led Vikings.
Claiborne’s challenge was never about his speed or explosiveness compared to Scott. Instead, it centered on his trustworthiness in pass protection, playbook understanding, ball security, and special teams – – all crucial elements for securing the third running back position on game day.
Minnesota hired Frank Smith this offseason, who was the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator for the last four seasons, including unlocking De’Von Achane. Hopes are high that Smith can cook with Claiborne.
3. Charles Demmings — Has to Earn It
If the mythical “Mr. Mankato” award were handed out today, Demmings would have a new trophy for this mantel. He’s been that good at training camp.
Those in charge of Minnesota’s first depth chart do not agree. Demmings must do more.
Shockingly, third-year cornerback Dwight McGlothern is ahead of Demmings, and many fans don’t think McGlothern will make the 53-man roster at all. Demmings must answer these questions in the preseason and at the rest of training camp: Can he tackle, avoid penalties, cover unfamiliar receivers without knowing their tendencies, contribute on special teams, and respond after getting beaten?
He’s already held his own against Justin Jefferson at times. That should tell you what Demmings is all about.
If Demmings remains the CB5 into the regular season, fans will question just what on earth they saw from him in July and August. Was it a mirage?
4. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins — Still a DL on Paper despite the OLB Experiment
Ingram-Dawkins told reporters in May and June that he spent the offseason readying himself to play outside linebacker. That may still come true – – Minnesota has not yet identified an OLB3 in the wake of Jonathan Greenard’s exit – – but he’s flat-out not an EDGE yet.
Minnesota has openly discussed using him both inside and on the EDGE, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores says his versatility could let him play in multiple personnel groupings. For now, his physical position is established – – a defensive tackle — but his role as an outside linebacker is not yet defined. It’s a work in progress.
Flores said about Ingram-Dawkins earlier this week, “He’s had a great attitude, and we’ve really added to his menu. Like I tell all our guys, ‘Your role’s gonna be what you make it.’ If you’re playing in one grouping, that’s great; it helps our team.”
“But if you’re a guy who can play in one, two, three, four groupings like Joshua Metellus, like Andrew Van Ginkel, we’ll give you as much as you can handle.”
Ingram-Dawkins position change (or tweak) remains mysterious.
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VikesNow Verdict: Bartholomew, Claiborne, Demmings and Ingram-Dawkins all have roles that could look considerably different by September. Saturday’s preseason game provides the first real opportunity to move those conversations beyond paper.
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