The New York Giants open the John Harbaugh era in earnest Saturday when they host the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in the first preseason game of 2026.
Most starters are expected to see limited action, which shifts the spotlight onto players fighting for roster spots, expanded roles, or simply a chance to prove they belong under a new coaching staff.
Seven stand out as having particularly high stakes in this opener.
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham’s return to the franchise that drafted him has been measured more by consistency than highlight-reel moments through training camp. The 33-year-old will play Saturday for the first time in a Giants uniform since 2018, giving him a valuable platform to show he still has the route-running polish and competitiveness to stick on a crowded receiver depth chart. Without special teams value to lean on, every reception and contested catch against Minnesota becomes an audition for one of the final spots on the 53-man roster.
C Bryan Hudson
Injuries to John Michael Schmitz and Lucas Patrick have thrust the third-year undrafted free agent into first-team center reps alongside Jaxson Dart. Hudson already demonstrated solid pass-blocking efficiency and run-blocking grades in limited preseason work last year, and his versatility across the interior line only adds to his appeal. A clean, physical performance against the Vikings would go a long way toward locking him in as the reliable backup the Giants need.
CB Deonte Banks
The 2023 first-round pick has responded to a clean slate under Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson with sharper technique, better instincts and consistent first-team opportunities. Banks is pushing Paulson Adebo for snaps and must translate practice success into live tackling and coverage against Minnesota’s receivers. A strong showing would accelerate his climb back toward a meaningful role after two uneven seasons.
K Dominic Zvada
The undrafted Michigan product has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the kicking competition, converting the vast majority of his attempts in camp—including a booming 62-yarder that closed one recent practice. Harbaugh has expressed confidence in Zvada’s leg strength and composure. The preseason opener offers the first real test under game pressure against the Vikings, a chance to put distance between himself and Ben Sauls before the roster cuts arrive.
WR Dalen Cambre
Cambre has forced his way into the conversation with reliable hands, sharp routes and the special-teams versatility Harbaugh prizes. The second-year undrafted free agent from Louisiana earned public praise from the head coach for making difficult catches daily while contributing on coverage units. With the wide receiver room still sorting its final depth pieces, productive snaps against Minnesota—both as a receiver and on special teams—could secure him a roster spot that many expected him to have to fight hard to earn.
LB Darius Muasau
Entering his third season, Muasau finds himself further down the linebacker depth chart behind Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese. The former sixth-round pick remains a physical, high-motor presence who has shown value in rotational defensive packages and on special teams. Saturday is an opportunity to remind the coaching staff of that motor and reliability, particularly on the core special-teams units that often decide the fate of players on the roster bubble. He and Zaire Barnes are likely battling for what could be the very last spot on the initial 53-man roster.
S Jason Pinnock
Pinnock has returned to the Giants and quickly worked his way into first-team rotations with Tyler Nubin. The veteran’s downhill run support, blitz ability, and improved coverage instincts fit the aggressive style preferred by the new defensive staff. A decisive performance against the Vikings would strengthen his case for significant playing time and could reshape the safety depth chart heading into the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 7 New York Giants with most to gain vs. Minnesota Vikings