Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Tyree Jackson

Saturday, August 17, 3:28 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold won't be active for Saturday's preseason showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Instead, No. 2 signal-caller Nick Mullens will get the start. With J.J. McCarthy (knee) out for the season, Darnold is now atop the Vikings depth chart. The 27-year-old spent his first six seasons in the league with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. However, he never met expectations, throwing for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions while completing just 59.7% of his throws. While McCarthy could still eventually earn the starting job in Minnesota, Darnold has a chance to turn things around this season, especially with Justin Jefferson on the roster, arguably the top wideout in the National Football League.

Friday, August 18, 10:25 AM

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Tyree Jackson caught both of his targets and gained 41 yards during the team's 18-18 preseason tie with the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old tore his ACL at the end of the 2021 season and failed to net a reception in 2022. The fact that Philadelphia brought him back this offseason to a crowded tight-end room shows that they believe he is talented, and he showed his explosiveness on a completion deep up the right side of the field for 35 yards in the fourth quarter Thursday night. However, with Dan Arnold and second-year tight end Grant Calcaterra likely making the final 53-man roster, Jackson will have a tough time surviving cutdowns unless he absolutely explodes next week against the Colts. Expect Jackson to land on the Eagles practice squad by the time the regular season rolls around.