Vikings Still Searching For Answers At Backup Quarterback

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Vikings still don’t know who is backing up Kyler Murray.

Minnesota dropped its only home preseason game of the year Saturday, falling 13-3 to the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Murray and most of the other starters on both sides sat out after two joint practices with the Ravens on Wednesday and Thursday at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, leaving the afternoon to players fighting for roster spots.

Three quarterbacks split the work, and none of them settled the No. 2 job. J.J. McCarthy started and played four series, going 5-of-10 for 81 yards with a 77.5 passer rating. His best throw was a 50-yard strike to Tai Felton down to the Baltimore 10, but he misfired on several open receivers. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said he had planned to leave McCarthy in longer before a couple of hard hits left the third-year quarterback walking gingerly off the field.

Carson Wentz took over in the second quarter and was the sharpest of the three, completing nine of 11 passes for 92 yards. He ran a two-minute drill to close the half that ended in a 52-yard Will Reichard field goal as time expired, the only points Minnesota would score. Former Gophers starter Max Brosmer played the entire second half and finished 11-of-17 for 98 yards.

Baltimore’s defense sacked the Vikings five times and forced two turnovers. Rookie linebacker Ethan Burke stripped receiver Jeshaun Jones after an 11-yard catch to open the fourth quarter, with cornerback Amani Oruwariye recovering at the Minnesota 44. Rookie safety Silas Walters then intercepted Brosmer at the Baltimore 18 late in the game to end the Vikings’ last real threat. Minnesota was also flagged nine times for 73 yards and managed just 65 yards on 18 carries.

The game’s only touchdown belonged to undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano, who hit LaJohntay Wester from eight yards out with just under six minutes left in the third quarter. Fagnano finished 15-of-20 for 123 yards. Tyler Loop added field goals of 49 and 20 yards. Baltimore has now allowed 10 points in two preseason games.

The Vikings are 1-1 this preseason after a 13-10 win at the New York Giants. They close out the exhibition slate at Denver on Friday, August 28th, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. Central.