What we learned from the Vikings' 23-13 preseason loss to the Titans

Emily Leiker, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Aug 22, 2025

Published in Football

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NASHVILLE — For the second straight week, the Vikings found themselves in the hole at halftime after their opponent opted to play starters early against their third- and fourth-stringers.

The Tennessee Titans, led for a little over a quarter by 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward at quarterback, built up a 14-3 advantage by the break Friday night and quickly tacked on another three with a 63-yard field goal to cap their opening drive of the second half.

Though rookie quarterback Max Brosmer led a scoring drive out of the half to bring the game to one score, the Vikings again couldn’t mount the second-half comeback and finished the preseason 1-2.

Here are five things we learned in the Vikings’ 23-13 loss:

1. Brosmer gets the start

After strong performances in each of the Vikings’ first two preseason games, Brosmer started under center Friday night. The former Minnesota Gopher rotated quarters with seventh-year veteran Brett Rypien.

In his six series, Brosmer was 15 of 23 for 161 yards and a touchdown.

He began the game against many of the Titans’ defensive starters, including defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, but evaded any sacks a week after taking four at the hands of the Patriots defense.

Brosmer has both of the Vikings’ passing touchdowns this preseason. He tallied his second when he found tight end Bryson Nesbit over the middle of the field for a 21-yard scoring play.

Rypien finished 7 of 14 for 62 yards with an interception.

2. Reichard tries from 63

Vikings second-year kicker Will Reichard attempted a 63-yard field goal that fell short of the uprights just before halftime.

It would’ve been the longest of his career had he made the kick. His current personal best is a 58-yarder against the Texans last September; he tied that Friday night during the fourth quarter.

Reichard split even on kicks Friday night, making two (42 and 58) and also missing from 55. Oscar Chapman, in a battle with Ryan Wright for the punting job, bobbled the snap on the miss from 55 yards. Wright was the holder on the other three kicks.

3. Price the sole punt returner

Myles Price returned one punt for 3 yards and fair caught two others. No other players saw time at the position Friday.

Price is an interesting case for a roster spot as the Vikings must make decisions Tuesday on their 53-man roster. He’s not moved up the wide receiver depth chart but seems the leading candidate at punt returner.

The Vikings have been without a clear starter in the role since Rondale Moore went down with a season-ending knee injury on his first attempt against the Texans on Aug. 9.

Price had one heart-pounding moment on a punt in the third quarter, double-clutching as he made a fair catch and eliciting an audible reaction from the crowd at Nissan Stadium.

4. Did Scott take an edge on RB3?

The Vikings sat fourth-year running back Ty Chandler, handing the reins to undrafted free agent Zavier Scott to start the night.

Scott finished with five carries for 28 yards, playing only the first quarter.

Scott also appeared on kick returns, taking the Vikings’ opening kick 29 yards. The Vikings moved Scott into the mix on returns this past week of practice as they continue to assess their options.

A few running back reps also went to Tre Stewart and Xazavian Valladay. Stewart had five carries for 22 yards; Valladay, signed on Tuesday, carried eight times for 39 yards to lead the team.

5. Felton misses game

Rookie receiver Tai Felton did not play Friday but was at the game in street clothes.

Felton exited a team scrimmage during Wednesday’s practice with an apparent hand or arm injury.

He is one of a few Vikings receivers to miss time this preseason. Justin Jefferson was out for three weeks with a hamstring strain and returned to practice this week. Jalen Nailor is currently week-to-week with a hand injury.

Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas started at wide receiver, and the Vikings leaned on their tight ends and running backs for pass-game support with 15 different players targeted.

Dontae Fleming led with 53 receiving yards on two catches, but dropped a deep pass from Brosmer on fourth-and-4 in the third quarter.