Updated Vikings roster prediction after first preseason game

Defensive Back

DB: Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Harrison Smith, Andrew Sendejo, Terence Newman, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus Sherels, Jayron Kearse, Antone Exum Jr. 

The biggest scare that came from the Vikings’ first preseason game was Trae Waynes‘ injury. After playing the first two downs on defense, Waynes came off the field with an apparent shoulder injury that was causing him to throw up on the sidelines.

Luckily, the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, meaning the former first round pick should be ready to go for the regular season. He likely starts next to Xavier Rhodes with Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo at the safety positions.

Behind Rhodes and Waynes, Terence Newman looks to fill in often, along with Mackensie Alexander, who has first dibs on nickel corner duties. Alexander had a quiet first preseason game, a good sign for a cornerback. Alongside those two, I have Marcus Sherels sticking with the team as their punt returner and possible kick returner.

At backup safety, Jayron Kearse continued where he left off last preseason with a productive game in Buffalo, having a couple nice blitzes from the edge resulting in tackles. As the fourth safety, Antone Exum Jr. stood out to me after being out last season with an injury. He gets the spot over Anthony Harris.

Exum Jr. had four tackles and would have had an interception if it weren’t for a pass deflection by Edmond Robinson. The injury-riddled safety also provides more flexibility than Harris since he can play nickel corner, providing depth at two positions.

Rookie Jack Tocho is also in the race for a spot, but I view him as a practice squad candidate.