Is Sam Darnold playing in the Vikings preseason finale vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for their preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, all eyes are on the quarterback situation. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has kept his cards close to the chest this week, but one thing’s clear: Jaren Hall will get the start, and Matt Corral will follow up in the final stretch. For Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens, though, it’s a night off. And honestly, that’s a smart move considering they’re the only healthy quarterbacks on the roster right now. Why risk them when the regular season is just around the corner?

O’Connell’s decision to keep Darnold and Mullens on the sidelines likely extends to other key players, too. At this stage of the preseason, there’s little reason to throw the established guys into the mix. It’s about sorting out the depth chart and figuring out who’ll make the cut when the initial 53-man roster is finalized. As O’Connell put it, “We have a lot of things we’ll have to let work itself out via competition.” The last game isn’t just a formality - it’s a final audition.

One of the most intriguing storylines is how Jaren Hall will perform. Hall has shown flashes, but this is his last chance to prove he deserves a spot on the roster. With J.J. McCarthy on injured reserve, Hall’s role becomes more critical. But the reality is that he’s on the bubble. If Hall can put together a solid performance, he might just force the Vikings’ hand, making it too risky for them to try to sneak him onto the practice squad. A standout showing could mean the difference between sticking around in Minnesota or getting picked up by another team on waivers.

And then there’s the receiver situation. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are locks, but what about the rest? If you see guys like Jalen Nailor or Trishton Jackson hanging out on the sidelines in street clothes, that’s probably a good sign they’ve made the team. It might seem counterintuitive, but in the NFL, not playing in the preseason finale can be a badge of honor, a sign that your roster spot is secure. On the other hand, if you’re out there running routes, you’re still fighting for a job.

The battle in the secondary is equally intense. Beyond the top cornerbacks like Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Byron Murphy Jr., there are a few spots up for grabs. Dwight McGlothern has been a name on the rise. The undrafted rookie has been turning heads all through training camp and even came close to a pick-six last weekend against Cleveland. If the Vikings want to keep McGlothern around, they might have to make some tough calls on players like Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans.

And then there’s Lewis Cine. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the safety, who delivered a standout performance against the Browns with 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception. But the question lingers: was that his swan song in a Vikings uniform? Were the Vikings showcasing him in hopes of drawing trade interest? Or does he still have a shot at sticking around? If Cine puts up another big game, it might be hard for the Vikings to let him go.

Finally, keep an ear out for Kevin O’Connell during the game. The Vikings are mic’ing him up, which they’ve done with players like Jefferson and Harrison Smith earlier in the preseason. It’s a fun little wrinkle, giving fans a chance to hear from the head coach in real-time. Don’t expect him to spill any trade secrets, but it’s always interesting to get a glimpse into the mind of the guy calling the shots.

As the Vikings take the field in Philadelphia, the preseason finale might not seem like the biggest game on the calendar, but for many players, it’s everything. It’s their last shot to make a case, to prove they belong, and to show that they can contribute when the games start to matter. For some, it’s a make-or-break moment. For others, it’s a chance to solidify their place. Either way, it’s sure to be an evening filled with tension, excitement, and maybe a few surprises along the way.