Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on J.J. McCarthy's day pic.twitter.com/vA4GGKzUz9

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

"It's always a moving target, maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was snapcount-wise, but he was a little hobbled there. I'll have an update for you but he seemed to be fine." - Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on J.J. McCarthy pic.twitter.com/Op9JRiNiJa

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

"It's always a moving target, maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was snapcount-wise, but he was a little hobbled there. I'll have an update for you but he seemed to be fine." - Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on J.J. McCarthy

Smart ✅
Instinctive ✅
Great communicator ✅@jacobthomassb22 has been a great find. pic.twitter.com/vvgMBwFr7v

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 22, 2026

Jake Golday piled up tackles, 322-pound Domonique Orange dropped into coverage and Caleb Banks flashed the talent that made him a first-round pick.

Rookie defensive tackle Domonique Orange had a welcome-to-the-Vikings moment during Saturday’s 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Orange, listed 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, dropped into coverage on second down.

You read that correctly.

One of the Vikings’ heaviest players dropped into coverage.

Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley even targeted Orange, the third-round pick out of Iowa State, while facing a six-man Vikings blitz that generated quick pressure. But Ravens receiver LaJohntay Wester dropped the quick pass over the middle.

That’s what happens when a defensive playbook is full of zone blitzes like with coordinator Brian Flores, who dropped all his defensive tackles at various points last season: Jalen Redmond (7 coverage snaps), Jonathan Allen (5), Javon Hargrave (4) and Levi Drake Rodriguez (3), according to Pro Football Focus.

Orange joined other Vikings rookies in leading a strong run defense that limited Ravens running backs to 15 carries for 39 yards (a 2.6-yard average). Defensive tackle Caleb Banks, the No. 18 overall pick out of Florida, flashed his talent when he shed a Ravens tight end and stopped running back Jonathan Ward for a 2-yard gain as Baltimore was backed up to its own goal line.

Linebacker Jake Golday, the second-round pick from Cincinnati, led the team with five combined tackles (four solo) when he took a seat in the second half.

The Vikings’ top rookie defenders, led by Banks, Golday and Orange, needed that step in the right direction after a quiet debut in last week’s preseason opener at the New York Giants. Two other third-round picks — offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan and safety Jakobe Thomas — did not play due to left ankle and back injuries, respectively.

Cornerback Charles Demmings, the fifth-round pick who started the game opposite cornerback James Pierre, missed a tackle on Ravens receiver Devontez Walker during a 27-yard catch and run in the third quarter. Walker gained another eight yards after Demmings’ miss.

The Ravens adjusted to the Vikings’ aggressive defense by the second half, countering Minnesota’s heavy fronts with quick passes. Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano threw the game’s only touchdown to Wester in the third quarter, when Vikings linebacker Jacob Roberts and outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss hastily backpedaled in coverage and had the ball thrown over their heads.

Strib

More Vikings-Ravens takeaways: Wide receivers, punt return problems, roster battles

• Hands were a mixed bag for Minnesota’s backup receivers. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s fastballs were hard to corral for receivers Tai Felton, Jeshaun Jones and Myles Price, who was overthrown in the end zone on fourth down. Then Jones, who had an impressive 35-yard snag from quarterback Carson Wentz just before halftime, committed the Vikings’ first of two turnovers when a 14-yard catch was stripped from his hands by Ravens linebacker Ethan Burke in the fourth quarter. Felton previously made an impressive adjustment and catch on a 50-yard ball by McCarthy.

• Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels has his work cut out for him regarding the team’s depth on punt returns. The Vikings have now committed six penalties (one offsetting) in two preseason games just on punt returns. This time, running back Zavier Scott was flagged for a blindside block in the second quarter. Vikings players drew five flags on punt returns last week in New York. Six different players have been flagged.

• Undrafted rookie safety Jacob Thomas started and finished with a team-leading six tackles (four solo), moving around the defensive formation in a way that showed off the studious approach with which veteran teammates have been impressed. There’s room for a 10th defensive back to make the initial 53-man roster after safety Jamal Adams suffered a season-ending injury. Will it be Thomas? Or undrafted rookie cornerback Da’Veawn Armstead, the North Texas product who started in the slot and deflected a third-down pass? Or will the Vikings look for help on the waiver wire?

• Assistant coaches continued to call preseason plays, according to the FOX broadcast. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips controlled the offense while linebackers coach Mike Siravo and Ryan Nielsen each took a half on defense.

• In addition to holding out nearly every starter, coaches kept key role players on the sideline including No. 2 running back Jordan Mason, No. 2 tight end Josh Oliver, and No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings.

strib

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell said that QB J.J. McCarthy got a little hobbled there near the end of the first quarter. O’Connell said that he didn’t have a medical update for now, but that they’d planned for McCarthy to maybe get another drive.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 22, 2026

Kevin O’Connell said J.J. McCarthy got a little banged up in the first quarter. Took a number of hits behind the 2nd O-line. Vikings had planned to use him a little longer but decided to end his day ahead of the first possession of the second quarter.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 22, 2026

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/vikingzfanpage/status/2091248911629390140?s=20

Said the same things when I saw during the game

First in-person article covering a Vikings game. My latest for Vikings On SI: https://t.co/MdETLlfXh6

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

Vikings' Defense Gets Little Help in Loss to Ravens: Here Are the 3 Things That Mattered Most 

A deeper look at a bad day for Minnesota...

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — After two intense days of joint practices earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium this afternoon. While many big-name starters observed from the sidelines, the day carried significant weight for several younger players and guys fighting to make the 53-man roster. 

The giant stadium doors were opened wide on a beautiful Saturday as J.J. McCarthy and many of the Vikings’ depth players took the field. Unfortunately for those on the offensive side of the ball, moments to shine were hard to come by.

Here’s what mattered most from a day where QB play wasted a strong defensive effort, resulting in a 13-3 loss for Minnesota.

The J.J. McCarthy experience is a roller coaster once again 

Saturday was a perfect opportunity for McCarthy to reclaim some form of momentum after losing the starting job to Kyler Murray. There is, of course, always a chance your QB2 needs to be ready for action. The results? Anything but confidence-inducing. 

Let me state this early: The second-team O-line did little to help McCarthy, but even when he had a clean lane to throw, he often missed wildly. 

His highlight moment came on a 50-yard bomb to rising second-year WR Tai Felton. A result that felt less exciting after a missed open throw to Myles Price ended the drive near the goal line a few plays later. McCarthy ended his one quarter of action 5 of 10 for 81 yards and one sack, a stat line that doesn’t account for just how ugly some of his misses were. 

McCarthy and Myles Price cant connect on 4th down from the goal line. pic.twitter.com/S8YEUFEMhk

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

The team desperately needs stability behind Kyler Murray. At this moment, it’s hard to be confident that McCarthy provides that, especially when Carson Wentz looks to be the far more stable QB. 

The defense continues to dominate 

The Vikings sent out many of their second-string defenders along with some rookies who needed additional reps today before being full-time starters in a few weeks. For the most part, the group looked great, especially in the first half, giving up only 93 total yards and a field goal. 

Defense is having a blast so far early. pic.twitter.com/iDADSS8JDA

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

UDFA Safety Jacob Thomas has been a strong name of interest after sky-rocketing up the depth chart and earning first-team reps after impressive play and the loss of Jamal Adams for the year. He was everywhere on Saturday, involved in multiple plays and almost snagging another interception. He ended the day with six tackles.

Jacob Thomas just nuked a man. pic.twitter.com/hLQOXlpLoK

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

Jacob Roberts and Jake Golday also had impressive days, logging six and five tackles, respectively.

Notably, Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange broke into the backfield, causing chaos for Tyler Huntley early, a possible preview of what Brian Flores hopes to see all season. 

WR room continues to shine despite QB inconsistency 

I said the Vikings' depth at receiver was one of the key factors to keep an eye on in this game, and I wasn’t disappointed with their showing, even if QB play was less than ideal. Apparently spending time with franchise great Randy Moss this week inspired the room. 

Felton made a great catch on a deep toss from McCarthy for 50 yards, further punctuating his exciting camp. He ended the day with three total catches for 66 yards. 

Jeshaun Jones got in on the action late in the first half with a leaping 36-yard catch from Carson Wentz. Jones has worked his way into my 53-man roster projection after stacking solid days in camp, but Dontae Fleming seems likely to take the battle down to the wire. 

Dillon Bell also made his presence felt with five catches for 43 yards. The Georgia UDFA had yet to live up to the hype he had after OTAs, but Saturday’s performance was a bright spot in a quiet August. 

Price had a hard day, getting open multiple times only to be missed by McCarthy, the most brutal moment coming on an overthrow in the end zone on what should have been a sure TD. This will be one game where Price’s film will be kinder than his stat line of one catch for 8 yards. 

Vikings-Ravens recap 8/22. pic.twitter.com/pR2z1cdoWX

— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) August 22, 2026

J.J. McCarthy on his two red zone incompletions:

"Those are just throws I gotta make. Called great plays. At the end of the day, I know I can make those throws. It was great to have that experience and that data logged in, to be able to make that throw next time."

"I wouldn't…

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 22, 2026

J.J. McCarthy on his two red zone incompletions:

"Those are just throws I gotta make. Called great plays. At the end of the day, I know I can make those throws. It was great to have that experience and that data logged in, to be able to make that throw next time."

"I wouldn't say I felt sped up. It's just, sometimes you hit 'em, sometimes you miss. It's just one of those things, what preseason's all about. You get it out now and log that feeling, like I said, make sure you hit it next time."

Every J.J. McCarthy dropback from preseason game #2 against the Ravens.

5/10, 81 yards, 1 sack, and a 19-yard completion negated by a holding call.

QB2 or QB3? pic.twitter.com/mrUSPRmMbv

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 22, 2026

Asked if he imagined missing time after being banged up today, J.J. McCarthy said: "No, I don't imagine that at all. Just a little banged up and it's football."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 22, 2026

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy said "I'm a little banged up, but I'm healthy, I'm ready to go. Yeah. We'll be on it tomorrow, for sure." Didn't specify the injury. Said it happened as part of an accumulation of plays. https://t.co/jp78TEDvtq

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 22, 2026

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell on if what he saw today changes how he's thinking about the QB depth chart: "We want to keep giving those guys opportunities. Would've loved to get J.J. a little more work, but got a little banged up there. Just decided to give Carson his time."

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 22, 2026

#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy’s preseason stats:

• 32 Snaps
• 52.9% Completion
• 115 Passing Yards
• 73.7 QBR pic.twitter.com/ab4ErvjhLv

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 22, 2026

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/JasonHarmonNFL/status/2091189548332003455?s=20

I would have left it there.

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/WillRagatz/status/2091221622610956447?s=20

To be fair, that DE jumped into the passing lane there, a bit earlier and it is an easy throw, but that defender in his window made it difficu.t