With Monday’s release of the Vikings depth chart, a few of the position battles are settled --on paper -- but that could change before the preseason is through. Here are a few highlights:
Competition not over at right guard
Brandon Fusco had been battling Geoff Schwartz for right guard and is listed at the top of the depth chart — in part due to Schwartz's sports hernia surgery (which took place on Tuesday). Fusco was quoted as saying it was now his job to lose, but coach Leslie Frazier says the competition is not yet complete.
“We’re going to let Chris (DeGeare) get some reps over there, along with letting Joe Berger get some reps, as well,” said Frazier. “We’re not quite ready to say that Brandon is the guy opening up against Jacksonville (in the regular season opener); we want to see him in some game situations against other teams in the preseason and then make a declaration as we go. We’ll continue to have some competition at that position.”
Is Sanford safe at strong safety?
As has been the case throughout camp, Jamarca Sanford is listed as the No. 1 free safety and Mistral Raymond topping the chart at strong safety. Rookie 1st-round draft pick Harrison Smith is right behind Sanford and is nipping at his heels in practice. A watchful eye on the rotation at the first preseason game Friday may show just how close Smith is to Sanford.
Felton No. 1 at fullback
Free agent signee Jerome Felton leads the depth chart at fullback followed by last year’s incumbent Ryan D’Imperio. Watching practices, the battle appears to be ongoing, with rookie TE Rhett Ellison (3rd on the tight end chart) getting some reps there. How they protect the quarterbacks Friday in San Francisco (and beyond) will be helpful in sorting this out.
For the latest news and reports on the Vikings, follow Joe Oberle on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLMIN and @joeoberle.
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