EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Minnesota Vikings opened their 2026 preseason with a 13-10 victory over the New York Giants on Saturday at MetLife Stadium, but the final score took a back seat to concerns surrounding injuries to safety Jamal Adams and quarterback Max Brosmer.
Carson Wentz connected with Myles Price on a 1-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to provide the decisive points, while Minnesota’s defense forced two interceptions and repeatedly came up with stops when the Giants threatened.
The biggest concern came when Adams was carted off the field following what appeared to be a non-contact leg injury. The veteran safety initially went to the medical tent before eventually being taken to the locker room.
Minnesota had not announced the severity of Adams’ injury by the end of the game.
Brosmer also left the contest after taking over at quarterback and appeared to be dealing with an issue involving his right wrist. He did not return, forcing Wentz back onto the field.
Vikings Get Early Field Goal
Minnesota opened the game with Kyler Murray directing the offense, with most of the Vikings’ starters seeing action. Justin Jefferson was among those who did not play.
The Vikings established their running game immediately.
Aaron Jones broke off a 17-yard run, while Jordan Mason added a 15-yard gain as Minnesota moved the ball effectively early. The drive eventually stalled in the red zone after Murray’s third-down pass to Jones fell incomplete.
Will Reichard converted a 35-yard field goal to put Minnesota ahead 3-0.
The Giants answered with a promising possession but were unable to finish it. Dallas Turner brought the drive to an end with a sack.
Giants Take Control
J.J. McCarthy replaced Murray at quarterback on Minnesota’s next possession, but the Vikings went three-and-out.
New York then mounted its best drive of the first half.
A big hit by Jay Ward sent Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart to the medical tent, but New York kept the drive alive with a surprising third-and-23 conversion when Jameis Winston connected with Devin Singletary on a screen.
Dart eventually returned and made an immediate impact.
The rookie quarterback lofted a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Malachi Fields, giving New York a 7-3 advantage early in the second quarter.
That touchdown was overshadowed by Adams’ injury.
Adams remained in the medical tent for an extended period before the Vikings ultimately brought out the cart. Several Minnesota players gathered around him on the sideline as he was taken away.
McCarthy Finds Some Rhythm
Minnesota moved back into Giants territory on its next possession, but penalties proved costly.
A holding call and false start disrupted the drive, forcing the Vikings to punt.
McCarthy did have one impressive connection with Tai Felton, delivering a pass that would have picked up about 20 yards, but the ball fell incomplete.
Minnesota later had another opportunity deep in its own territory, but a penalty erased what appeared to be a first down.
McCarthy was subsequently sacked following the two-minute warning, and the Vikings punted.
New York took advantage by adding a 46-yard field goal from Ben Sauls just before halftime, sending the Giants into the break with a 10-3 lead.
Wentz Sparks the Comeback
Minnesota’s defense opened the second half with a quick three-and-out, setting the stage for Wentz to take over at quarterback.
Wentz immediately moved the offense.
He connected with Price for 28 yards before finding Jeshaun Jones for another 17-yard gain, moving the Vikings into Giants territory.
The drive ultimately stalled, but Reichard provided another answer by drilling a 54-yard field goal, cutting New York’s lead to 10-6.
The Vikings defense then delivered perhaps its biggest play of the afternoon.
Brandon Allen’s pass was intercepted by undrafted rookie linebacker Jacob Roberts, who returned it to the Giants’ 27-yard line.
Minnesota capitalized.
After a pair of pass-interference penalties in the end zone helped keep the drive alive, the Vikings reached the 1-yard line.
Wentz then found Price, who made an impressive one-handed touchdown catch to give Minnesota its first touchdown of the afternoon.
Reichard’s extra point put the Vikings ahead 13-10 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Defense Closes the Door
Minnesota’s defense continued to make life difficult for New York.
Early in the fourth quarter, Allen attempted to go deep down the left side, but undrafted rookie safety Jacob Thomas intercepted the pass for Minnesota’s second takeaway.
The Vikings couldn’t turn the turnover into points, however, and eventually punted.
The Giants had one final opportunity late in the fourth quarter after being backed up near their own goal line.
Allen put together his best sustained drive of the game, completing several passes to move New York into Minnesota territory.
But an offensive pass-interference penalty ended the threat.
The Giants punted, and Wentz and the Vikings offense were able to drain the remaining clock and secure the preseason victory.
Victory Comes With Questions
For Minnesota, the 13-10 victory provides a positive start to the preseason, but the health of Adams and Brosmer will be the biggest story coming out of MetLife Stadium.
The Vikings will hope both injuries prove less serious than initially feared.
The preseason opener also provided valuable opportunities for young players, particularly Roberts and Thomas, who each recorded an interception.
Reichard was another bright spot, connecting on field goals from 35 and 54 yards.
What’s Next
The Vikings return home next Saturday afternoon for a noon CT matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota will also hold joint practices with Baltimore during the week, giving both teams another opportunity to evaluate players ahead of the regular season.
For now, however, the Vikings leave New Jersey with a victory — and plenty of attention focused on the injury report.
