Vikings May Start Mitch Leidner In Final Preseason Game

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mitch Leidner may see the full reality of his dream come true this Thursday, as he may be the starting quarterback in the final preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

The former Gopher is excited about the prospect of suiting up and playing in his first NFL game. Leidner spoke with Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press about his break with the Vikings, “It’s everything I could’ve asked for, being in that situation and hoping to get that phone call and get an opportunity. I’ve been really fortunate, and I’m very thankful to the Vikings for giving me this opportunity. I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”

The Vikings don’t want to risk Sam Bradford or backup Case Keenum getting hurt this close to the first regular season game, so they will likely sit out. This will give Leidner a chance to show Minnesota what he can do on the field. He managed 7,287 yards, 36 touchdowns and 32 interceptions at the University of Minnesota and hopefully he can recreate the better half of those numbers on the field with the Vikings.

If Leidner does start he will be sharing time with Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke already has a head start on Leidner in playing, he scored the game winning two-point conversion against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.