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We. Are. So. Back. Baby!

I get it. Saturday's 20-10 victory by the Vikings over the Texans was more of a steak tips appetizer than a porterhouse, but the preseason is in full effect.

And the action is going to escalate this week for the Vikings, who will host the Patriots for joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday before the team's meet at noon (CT) Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium for their second preseason game of 2025.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has had these days emphasized from the moment he started creating the training camp schedule. He explained his comfort level with Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel (a former teammate from when New England drafted O'Connell) in structuring the practices. When Vrabel held the same role in Tennessee, his Titans squad visited Minnesota for a pair of joint practices in 2023.

Let's get to the questions.

Preseason game 1 was good. There are little things to work on, but they didn't look too bad. The offensive line held up to the pressure of the Texans defense, and the defense didn't do too bad, even though a lot of the starters didn't play. I'm wondering who will be getting WR3 & WR4. I think Lucky Jackson is giving Jalen Nailor a little pressure for WR3. Then at the RB position, Zavier Scott had a good game and I'm wondering if he could bump Ty Chandler out of the RB3 position. I think Scott had a great game. And then there's the punters Oscar Chapman and Ryan Wright. Wright got to punt two times and put one inside the 20-yard line and averaged 51.5 yards. Chapman only punted once for 52 yards, and the returner had a hard time fielding the punt.

In the fourth quarter, Max Brosmer entered and did a good job. He managed the game and was able to score, probably would have scored again if they would have let him do it. I think he did a better job than Brett Rypien. Sam Howell did a good job when he entered the game. I've been reading that Howell has had problems in practices, but he looked solid in the game.

See how the Vikings do next weekend.

Let's go Vikings!

— Matt from Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Preseason/camp battles are always one of the most intriguing storylines, and receiver and running back are always interesting to observe.

Justin Jefferson remains sidelined with the strained hamstring (and would not have played Saturday), so Minnesota started the game with Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor at receiver, along with tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.

I know a good bit of energy will be spent figuring out the shakedown after Jefferson and Nailor, but the presence of Hockenson and Oliver could mean a considerable usage of two tight ends.

Jackson's prior experience in the system has shown up in practices, and he's been getting most of the first calls when the Vikings have had a three-receiver set. Thayer Thomas also took some reps with that group last week. He played 15 offensive snaps against Houston.

As for running back, Minnesota rested Aaron Jones, Sr., but newcomer Jordan Mason did log some action with four carries for 20 yards.

O'Connell was complimentary after the game of what Chandler and Scott accomplished. Chandler's rushing stats of five carries for a net of 5 yards won't jump off the page, but he tied for the team lead with three receptions and tied for third on the squad with 20 receiving yards.

Scott, who was profiled here last week by Vikings.com's Lindsey Young, rushed for team highs of seven carries and 40 yards. A 12-yard rush by Scott was the longest by anyone in the game, and he also added 11 yards on his only reception. Both players offer some contributions on special teams, as well.

In the punting game, veteran Ryan Wright averaged 51.5 on two punts and netted 45.5. Rookie Oscar Chapman's lone attempt went for 52 yards and had a wicked rotation that jammed up Jawhar Jordan. Rookie Tai Felton hustled from a gunner role and forced a fumble, but it was recovered by the Texans.

Circling back to QB, O'Connell was pleased with the command that J.J. McCarthy showed across his 12 plays.

Howell's experience showed up multiple times, including while leading a touchdown drive. He finished 11-for-13 with a game-high 105 yards to finish with a passer rating of 100.3.

Rypien's stat line could have looked a little different had a deep pass to Jeshaun Jones been secured. Brosmer, the former Gopher, also showed nice composure, going 5-for-8 with 47 yards that included a 3-yard touchdown to fellow undrafted rookie Myles Price.

Vikings.com's Rob Kleifield focused on McCarthy's return to game action for the first time in nearly a year, so you can check it out to see what O'Connell thought of the starter's showing. Here's what he had to say about the other three QBs.

"Sam is one of those guys that, throughout the early stages of practice, you kept [saying] 'I think we're going to need to see him in game action, just to get a great feel for what Sam can do.' And I thought there was a great example of a guy that has played, a guy that moved the team, and I was happy with Sam.

"Rypien had some things break down around them, which is normally the case throughout the preseason. And then I thought Max did a pretty darn good job coming in there and putting the ball in the end zone," O'Connell added. "Those guys would probably be the first ones to tell you they're getting rust off from a game standpoint. But I was proud of the way, just our team, it felt clean for the most part. It's never going to be perfect, but it felt like we were a football team going in the right direction."

Lots of players stand out with stats. The offensive line not so much. Our two top running backs averaged 5 yards a carry. Three of our four QBs in the game were not sacked. Someone was laying some good blocks. Which offensive lineman stood out in this game?

— Gerald Goblirsch

There's so much to try to observe in a preseason game, particularly with a new-look offensive line that had four of its five projected starters take the field for a dozen plays.

Veteran newcomer Justin Skule filled in for Christian Darrisaw at left tackle. Rookie left guard Donovan Jackson made his pro debut against his hometown team. Veteran additions (and former Colts teammates) Ryan Kelly and Will Fries reunited at center and right guard, respectively, and Brian O'Neill was back in action at right tackle.

One highlight replay I saw illustrated O'Neill and Fries working together well on a stunt that was attempted by the Texans. Minnesota struggled with some stunts (notably in the playoffs against the Rams) last season. That group is expected to get a high volume of quality work against the Patriots in the joint practices this week, which is part of the reason their time on the field Saturday was limited.

Beyond the first wave, second-year pro Michael Jurgens played center after Kelly headed for the sideline and re-entered the game after undrafted rookie Zeke Correll suffered a fractured ankle. Undrafted rookie Joe Huber led Minnesota's offense with 55 snaps played.

Will Ragatz noted PFF grades from Saturday's game, which ranked Huber and Jurgens as the highest-graded players for the Vikings on offense:

I thought the run game and the screen game showed encouraging signs, given the offseason focus the team placed on improving those aspects.

Lastly, I'll mention Blake Brandel, who has had quite a bit on his plate during training camp while lining up at multiple positions. Last year's starting left guard has handled Minnesota using a first-round pick on Jackson with professionalism and has kept working on his game. He played right tackle Saturday.

I'm hearing bad things on our kicking game. Can we get highlights? In Madden, the game, I don't like my Vikes J.G. (Jonathan Greenard) and Andrew Van Ginkel rated low when they were best duo last year. How you feel?

— Warren

This message was sent before Saturday's preseason opener in which the Vikings special teams had a solid day (we already mentioned punting above).

Will Reichard was good from 48 to cap Minnesota's first possession with three points and added a 38-yarder early in the second quarter. He also made both extra points and attempted a variety of kickoffs. He and the kick coverage team limited the Texans to an average of 21.3 yards on four returns.

The Texans long kickoff return was 26, and Reichard painted a masterpiece with his final kickoff of the day. He got the ball to land at the 1-yard line and in the corner, creating a moment of indecision for Daniel Jackson, who only managed 12 yards. Pinning an opponent at its 13-yard line a play after taking a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter is a tremendous example of multiple phases working together.

The worst part of the day for special teams was the unfortunate and "pretty significant" left knee injury suffered by Rondale Moore on his only play of the game. Moore gained 2 yards during his return to the outside and suffered the injury as he was tackled. Silas Bolden gained 8 on his lone punt return.

Felton handled both kickoff returns for Minnesota, averaging 18 yards and logging a long of 24.

As for the lack of respect toward Greenard and Van Ginkel — both were rated at 83 overall in this year's version of the video game franchise. I haven't played Madden in a long time. I'm talking Sega Genesis with Joe Montana playing for Kansas City and the Oilers being Houston's team, but I have spoken with others who have played it more recently, and they said 83 is about the cut line for being good, and I think both Pro Bowl edge rushers have cases for being considered better than good.

They left their handprints all over Vikings victories last season in their first campaign together, and signs are pointing to that continuing (with some other teammates also getting after the quarterback). Perhaps Madden will boost those ratings. I'd also fashion that real opponents have some respect for those guys.

It has been a very exciting but a bumpy ride as a Vikings fan these past few years. The loss of Khyree Jackson and J.J.'s torn meniscus hit us Vikings fans hard. The career season from Sam Darnold proved that we have the best coaching staff in the league. I have had plenty of faith in McCarthy's talent and skill so far but is he ready for the NFL and the speed of the game?

Shoutout to the elite defense and offense, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, K.O., Brian Flores and all who helped to build the best defense and offense in the league, they did a great job. I have full faith that we will go 15-2 this season and make it deep in the playoffs, if not the Super Bowl.

Skol Vikings,

— Kadyn in Albany, Minnesota

The tragic loss of Khyree Jackson is something that still weighs on teammates, coaches and staff. Joshua Metellus chose to wear a tribute T-shirt when he spoke with media members upon signing his contract extension.

McCarthy showed ability to move within the pocket, particularly on his deep pass to Addison, as well as some fast thinking (to feel the blitz) and multipronged athletic ability to scramble for a first down. Houston didn't throw a playbook at him, but the Texans did dial up some pressure looks.

The defense, which did not play nine projected starters, showed the depth that has been added, even without incorporating much, if any, of Flores' complex scheme.

Fifteen wins in a season is a high bar to clear, particularly with one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, but I do think this team is built to win games and rise as the stakes climb.

I have not heard very much about who might be stepping up to take the job as our punt returner this year. Who has been working on that in camp so far?

— Bruce in Gilbert, Arizona

Moore was listed as the top punt returner on Minnesota's first unofficial depth chart. We all feel so bad for him after he had worked hard to return from an injury he suffered last August while with Atlanta.

The rest of the depth chart at the position is Lucky Jackson, followed by Bolden or Price.

Justin Jefferson, are there exercises and/or treatments that can help prevent hamstring injuries? This camp is the second time "Jets" has had the problem. I hope he doesn't have hamstring problem during the season, for I know how it hurts.

I know this is last season, but can someone explain why we could not get past the Lions and Rams twice? What did they have or do that was so effective? We won some tough games: 49ers, Texans, Packers x2 and Falcons. Were they that much different?

Tell Tatum Everett how much I enjoy her interviews of everyone. Love her smile and enthusiasm.

— Gill Sorg in New Mexico

I'm sure the Vikings highly skilled Health and Performance team is working with Jefferson on rehab efforts but also emphasizing the importance of Week 1 above returning too soon.

Sure, it would be absolutely great to have McCarthy and Jefferson getting more reps together, but the long season ahead is paramount.

I personally think an aspect that isn't talked about in football as much as basketball is matchups. I mentioned the stunts that L.A. (adding Detroit now) executed to give problems to Minnesota's offensive line.

The Lions put together a tremendous season, and the Rams had several bright moments, plus L.A. got Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back in Week 8 for that Thursday Night Football game in addition to hosting on short rest.

I did pass Gill's message along to Tatum yesterday before the game in which she sideline reported for the TV/audio simulcast. She appreciated the kind words, and the broadcast team did a great job. I also enjoyed the opportunity last week to join Tatum on the Minnesota Vikings Podcast to recap Jared Allen's Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend and discuss the legacy of Ring of Honor member and 14-time captain Jim Marshall.

Fans showed their appreciation for Marshall last Thursday at training camp when family and friends attended camp. Vikings players are wearing helmet decals (and coaches and staff are wearing lapel pins) in honor of The Captain, who started every game for Minnesota from 1961-79. Marshall's 270^th consecutive and final regular-season start for Minnesota occurred against this week's foe, the New England Patriots, two weeks before he turned 42.

Would the league ever consider expanding the active roster to at least 55 players if three players are QBs? Longer and longer season doesn't seem to be a significant league concern. Wear and dings of a longer season alone seem to justify a larger roster. Assuming that increasing the season to 17 and maybe 18 games should generate income to offset the additional payroll/increased salary cap. JMHO, definitely need to add rest week if the NFL continues to add international games and/or extend the season. Just start the regular season a week or two earlier.

SKOL!

— Noel in Bayfield, Wisconsin

I'm fully on record with wishing the NFL and NFL Players Association could find a way for a team to designate a young, developmental QB.

Currently teams can dress a third QB and designate as an emergency QB on game days (if the QB is on the 53-man roster) in case injuries happen to the first- and second-string signal caller.

I'd love to see the powers that be design a system that protects the player from getting poached by another team without the requirement of being on the 53-man roster, while allowing the player to participate in a game if injury creates a need.

I understand a concession for limiting movement by a player from the practice squad to any other team's active roster should probably be offset in the form of special compensation, but there's likely value to be gained by the player and team from familiarity with a scheme.

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