Without starters, the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens met for Preseason Game No. 2 on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Kevin O’Connell’s team losing by a score of 13-3. Minnesota will close out the preseason in six days at the Denver Broncos.
Along the way against the Ravens, here’s who’s stock went up and down.
The Vikings’ Roster Picture Shifted Just a Bit Again
Stock Up: Tai Felton
When the offseason began, nobody really knew if Felton would blossom in his second year or become another failed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah draft pick. After the second preseason game, the former is more likely.
Felton banked three catches for 66 yards on Saturday, including this impressive grab on a pass from J.J. McCarthy.
Felton assuredly has a spot on the 53-man roster and will likely be featured as the WR4 and on special teams when the regular season hits on September 13. He’s off the roster bubble and was probably never truly on it in the first place.
Stock Down: J.J. McCarthy
The highlight above – – the 50-yard completion to Felton – – was the sole encouraging transaction of McCarthy’s one quarter against the Ravens. Somehow – – some way – – McCarthy seems to be regressing as a professional quarterback, even after an offseason that reportedly focused on his improved mechanics.
McCarthy did not look good in Preseason Game No. 2, and that was after not looking good in Preseason Game No. 1. Before too long, O’Connell must do some soul-searching to determine if McCarthy or Carson Wentz is the better QB2 option in the event of a Kyler Murray injury.
Processing speed continues to plague McCarthy, and when that doesn’t improve, a quarterback doesn’t last long in the league as a starter or QB2.
Stock Up: Jacob Roberts
After an impressive first preseason outing, Roberts produced a follow-up. He notched five tackles versus Baltimore and always appeared to be in the right spot.
Roberts now faces the prospect of making the 53-man roster in one week as a special teamer. The Vikings lost Jamal Adams last week, opening a roster spot for a hungry contributor. That could be Roberts.
Roberts came from the CFL and said earlier this year, “I’m a versatile linebacker, and I can fit into a lot of defenses, and I can definitely fit in anywhere on special teams. Obviously the NFL game might be a little faster, but I’m just a player who can do a lot, so I don’t really look at it too much as what I need to do to adjust to in the NFL.”
“Playing in Calgary with the players and coaches, that was great. I’m very thankful for them giving me an opportunity to go pro and put my talents on display and help them get some good wins.”
He’s a name to monitor, even if the practice squad becomes his destination in September.
Stock Down: Special Teams
Will Reichard, Johnny Hekker, and Brett Thorson did their part, but the rest of the special teams fell victim to a familiar scourge: penalties.
Just like last year, when a Vikings returner would break off a notable return – – boom, flag. That same horror story is unfolding in 2026, at least in the preseason. Seeing yellow flags on the field on a kick or punt return feels like the new normal.
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels must fix it. It’s unbecoming of a serious team.
Stock Up: Dillon Bell
Bell tabulated five receptions for 43 yards after making a minimal thumbprint on training camp, which concluded on Friday. All spring, he was considered one of Minnesota’s undrafted gems, and he looked great at OTAs and minicamp. But training camp was quieter for Bell.
Thankfully, Vikings-Ravens restored some of his shine. There’s a slight chance that the Vikings keep six wide receivers – – Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Tai Felton, and Myles Price – – with Bell as the WR6. Stay tuned.
Stock Down: The Backup Offense
Besides a few brief moments with Carson Wentz under center, the Vikings’ 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-string offense stunk. That won’t matter much if the 1st-team offense cooks against the Green Bay Packers in three weeks, but the preseason has not been an offensive success story.
In fact, fans watched the second half of Vikings-Ravens just expecting Minnesota not to score touchdowns. It shouldn’t be that way.
───────────── ─────────────
VikesNow Verdict: Felton and Roberts strengthened their cases, Bell kept himself alive, while McCarthy and multiple depth units left plenty to clean up before the preseason finale in Denver.
───────────── ─────────────
About The Author
