The Vikings are set to wrap up their three-game preseason slate with a road matchup against the Broncos on Saturday night.
Losses to the Raiders and 49ers over the previous two weekends have the Vikings looking for their first win of the preseason; they’re riding a meaningless six-game losing streak in preseason games that dates back to 2019.
More important than the outcome is the evaluation that will occur. This is a huge final opportunity for players on the roster bubble to impress the Vikings’ coaches and front office decision-makers ahead of cutdown day on Tuesday, when the roster will go from 80 players down to 53.
The Vikings once again will rest virtually all of their starters. They released a list of 33 players who will not participate in tonight’s game in Denver, including starters and several players with known injuries: Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Dan Chisena, Irv Smith Jr., and Janarius Robinson.
I’m not sure why Chazz Surratt, Blake Lynch, and Jonathan Bullard aren’t playing. Maybe they’re dealing with injuries — or maybe the Vikings have already made a decision on their roster status, one way or another.
Despite not being listed, newly-acquired quarterback Nick Mullens is not expected to play, according to Chris Tomasson. The Vikings’ new presumed backup is still learning the offense. It’ll be another split between Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond, who might be competing against each other for a practice squad spot.
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Final Score: Broncos 23, Vikings 13
Fourth Quarter
2:07 — The Vikings needed a long drive to tie the game or take the lead, and instead they went backwards. Kellen Mond was sacked twice and had his pass on fourth and 27 knocked down. Minnesota’s going to lose again.
Broncos 20, Vikings 13
3:19 — The Broncos tackle on a field goal.
6:38 — After a nice drive, the Vikings go for it on fourth and goal from the 5 and Kellen Mond gets sacked for a turnover on downs.
Broncos 17, Vikings 13
14:55 — Greg Joseph drilled a 58-yard field goal to put the Vikings within four. He’s been doing that all training camp long.
Third Quarter
0:00 — Kellen Mond went 3 for 7 for 45 yards in the third quarter. He threw a great pass to Ihmir Smith-Marsette for a 30-yard gain, but also had a couple of misses. Mond was sacked to end the third quarter.
8:28 — Wright just boomed another long punt, this one a 71-yarder (though only a 51-yard net because it was a touchback).
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13:36 — Vikings punter Ryan Wright just made the play of the game, a 68-yard punt that came to a stop at the 2 yard-line. That’s why he’s Minnesota’s punter.
Second Quarter
Broncos 17, Vikings 10
0:00 — Sean Mannion went 3 of 4 on the Vikings’ final drive to set up a 46-yard Greg Joseph field goal.
Broncos 17, Vikings 7
0:48 — On the first play of a new Vikings possession, Sean Mannion gets stripped and the Broncos return it for a touchdown. Sloppy stuff from Minnesota’s offense.
2:00 — The Vikings’ drive runs out of gas and Ryan Wright punts for the second time.
Broncos 10, Vikings 7
5:48 — It took the Broncos just five plays to retake the lead on a Montrell Washington touchdown. Seth Williams caught a 45-yard pass against busted coverage to start the drive.
Vikings 7, Broncos 3
7:37 — Touchdown, Vikings. Bryant Koback punches it in from a yard out on fourth down. Minnesota leads.
Broncos 3, Vikings 0
12:53 — Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd makes several plays in a row to stop a Broncos drive. They settled for a long field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
First Quarter
1:36 — The Vikings are dealing with a variety of injuries tonight. DT TY McGill (ankle) and ILB Troy Dye (foot) have been ruled out for the rest of the game. Brian Asamoah, one of two inside linebackers still available for Minnesota, got banged up but was able to return. Safety Josh Metellus also shook up.
1:47 — Sean Mannion very nearly throws a pick-six to Alex Singleton on third down. New Vikings punter Ryan Wright delivers a beauty to pin the Broncos.
7:15 — The Broncos drove 89 yards on the game’s opening possession, then made it all for naught with a turnover. Brett Rypien’s pass was deflected by Myles Dorn into the hands of OLB Luigi Vilain. Minnesota takes over.
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