Now that training camp at TCO Performance Center is in the rearview mirror, the Vikings must start the process of cutting their roster down to 53 players.

Though a lot of players have proven themselves worthy throughout training camp, there are number of players still on the bubble heading into the exhibition game against the Tennessee Titans on Friday night at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

It’s highly unlikely that the Vikings will play any starters this weekend, so the backups and reserves will have a chance to make a name for themselves.

Here are five with something to prove when the Vikings play the Titans:

Sam Howell

After a solid showing in the first preseason game against the Houston Texans, backup quarterback Sam Howell was a disaster in the exhibition game against the New England Patriots. That left the door open for the Vikings to reconsider their options.

Asked about Howell last weekend, head coach Kevin O’Connell wouldn’t name him the backup quarterback outright. Instead, O’Connell noted that he needed to see more from Howell, emphasizing that it was still an open competition

It would behoove Howell to avoid any glaring errors this weekend. He must prove himself trustworthy of being somebody the Vikings can turn to if starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy ever goes down.

Max Brosmer

Truthfully, rookie quarterback Max Brosmer might have already done enough to earn himself a spot on the roster. If the Vikings cut him next week with hopes of getting him to the practice squad, he might get claim off waivers by another team.

That’s how impressive Brosmer has been throughout training camp.

Not only has he shown a complete grasp of the offense despite not getting a lot of reps in practice, he has also showcased an impressive processing in the pocket regardless of the circumstances around him.

As good as Brosmer has been to this point, however, he still needs to show improvement this weekend. That would be an exclamation point on what’s already been an outstanding summer for him.

Lucky Jackson

It’s been tough sledding for receiver Lucky Jackson as of late.

After looking the part at the start of training camp, Jackson has struggled with drops over the past couple of weeks. That might have played a role in some other receivers getting reps ahead of him in practice this week.

Is it too much of an overreaction to say Jackson is suddenly on the bubble? Maybe. He still has a good amount experience in the offense that could be valuable if he has to play in a pinch while fellow receiver Jordan Addison is serving his suspension.

That said, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero recently reported that the Vikings are monitoring the trade market for veteran receivers, which means Jackson would be wise to ball out this weekend.

Taki Taimani

The surprise trade of veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is at least partially a byproduct of young players stepping up throughout training camp. It’s pretty clear the Vikings felt comfortable with the talent they have in the trenches.

Now, it’s on young defensive tackle Taki Taimani to make sure he’s takes advantage of the opportunity in front of him. He has flown under the radar throughout training camp as fellow defensive tackle Jalen Redmond and rookie defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins have continued to stand out.

As a force in the trenches in the past, Taimani he needs to remind the Vikings what they’d be missing if they cut him. He’s competing with rookie defensive tackle Elijah Williams for a spot on the roster.

Dwight McGlothern

The reps in practice would suggest that young cornerback Dwight McGlothern has fallen down the depth chart. He’s steadily been overtaken by rookie cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn over the past few weeks.

That could put McGlothern in danger to get cut.

The best way for McGlothern to force the issue would be to make a splash play this weekend. He had his fair share of interceptions throughout training camp and he could another right about now.

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