MINNEAPOLIS — Brandon Fusco's biggest audition arrives Thursday.

The Seneca Valley High School and Slippery Rock University graduate expects to play at least half of the game when the Minnesota Vikings host the Houston Texans Thursday night in the teams' final NFL preseason game.

The 6-foot-4, 306-pound Fusco has been getting plenty of reps at center as a sixth-round draft choice of the Vikings last April.

“I've gotten in during the third quarter of each of the first three games,” he said. “I've graded out well in all three games and I've improved my play in all three.

“I'm pleased so far, but I know the biggest step is yet to come.”

That step comes Thursday, when Minnesota's starters won't see any action.

“This is a big game for a bunch of guys trying to make our roster,” first-year Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said on the team's website.

Fusco knows as much because that's how Frazier addressed the team this week.

“He told us this game is for the rookies and younger players,” Fusco said. “It's not much secret. If you want to stick around, you have to play well in this game.

“I feel like I'm part of a group of four or five guys who are on the bubble right now. It could go either way. You can't think about it. Just go out and play.”

The Vikings' starting offensive line is set with the exception of a guard spot, where eight-year veteran Anthony Herrera is battling an Achilles tendon injury.

“He's 31 years old and hasn't been healthy. ... You don't know if they'll keep him or not,” Fusco said. “There are no pats on the back around here. You can tell it's a business.

“No one's going to feel sorry for you. It's up to you to make the team. All they (Vikings) want to do is win.”

Fusco believes the team will keep eight or nine offensive linemen.

If he is among the final cuts, Fusco said he wouldn't mind being offered a spot on the team's practice squad.

“I wouldn't object to that,” he said. “The coaches are great here and I'd love to stay in Minnesota. I've also talked to my agent and a lot of teams were interested in me on draft day. And a lot of teams are looking for centers.

“If the Vikings do release me, I'm pretty confident I'd get a shot somewhere else. But the coaches have told me I'm a work in progress and they just want me to go through the learning process this year.

“It seems like they're interested in me long-term,” he added, “but who really knows?”

Fusco has been working at third-team center throughout most of preseason. John Sullivan, a 6-foot-4, 301-pound fourth-year player out of Notre Dame, is the starter while 6-2, 291-pound Jon Cooper, out of Oklahoma, is listed at No. 2 on the depth chart.

Fusco got some reps at No. 2 in the Vikings' last game, a 23-17 home loss to Dallas.

“It's hard to figure out where you stand,” Fusco admitted. “My focus is just on working hard and improving as an NFL player every day. If I'm good enough, I'll make it.”

He's been going up against All-Pro nose guard Kevin Williams and Remi Ayodele, a free agent signee from the New Orleans Saints, in practice every day.

“Those guys are tremendous players and I'm learning from them,” Fusco said. “Williams might be in the Hall of Fame one day.”

NFL teams must have their final 53-man rosters in place by this weekend.