Patriots Rookies Shine Again in Preseason Win Over Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Efton Chism III continued to make strong cases for regular-season roles as the New England Patriots defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-12 in Saturday’s preseason matchup.

Henderson, a second-round pick from national champion Ohio State, played two drives with the Patriots’ first-team offense and capped his brief appearance with an 8-yard touchdown run. He totaled 20 yards on four carries, building on last week’s explosive 100-yard kickoff return for a score.

“He runs hard and protects the ball,” said Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. “You don’t need much, and he finds it.”

Vrabel opted to rest several key starters, including four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, who continues to rehab from a torn ACL suffered last season with Houston.

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye got the start for New England, facing a Minnesota defense comprised entirely of backups. Maye completed 4 of 7 passes for 46 yards, but his outing included a delay-of-game penalty and a near-interception on an errant throw under pressure.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Efton Chism III impressed again. The undrafted rookie from FCS Eastern Washington hauled in six catches from backup QB Joshua Dobbs for 71 yards and a touchdown — a tough, twisting 12-yard catch-and-run where he broke six tackles en route to the end zone.

“He wants it, and I think that’s the biggest thing he’s showed,” Maye said. “It’s paying off for him.”

With veterans like Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Mack Hollins already locked into roster spots, Chism is fighting for what may be the final receiver slot — and he’s making the most of every opportunity. He also scored in last week’s preseason opener.

“Doesn’t matter how you get here,” Vrabel said. “The only thing that matters is what you do when you’re here.”

Vikings Play it Safe with Starters

After two days of joint practices, the Vikings chose to sit all projected starters and several key backups. Head coach Kevin O’Connell called the joint sessions valuable, preferring controlled settings over exposing his roster to injury in live play.

New quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who impressed in his debut last week, stayed on the sideline wearing an earpiece. Instead, Sam Howell — acquired in April from Seattle — got the start but struggled, completing just 1 of 5 passes with an interception thrown off his back foot under pressure.

Veteran Brett Rypien went 7 for 11 for 83 yards in the second quarter, while undrafted rookie Max Brosmer played the entire second half, going 15 of 27 for 156 yards. His final throw, on the game’s last play from the 13-yard line, was tipped and picked off in the end zone by Patriots safety Kyle Dugger.

“We’re playing all three of them for a reason,” O’Connell said. “The quarterback room is still wide open.”

Depth Chart Shuffling in New England

Dugger, a five-year veteran with 65 career starts, has been working with the second team as Vrabel implements a new defensive scheme. He played late into the game, alongside another surprising holdover — outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who recorded three sacks while flanked by rookies trying to make the team.

On the offensive line, 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange saw time with the backups, while Ben Brown took first-team reps at left guard — a sign that Strange may be slipping down the depth chart.

What’s Next

The Patriots (2-0) will wrap up their preseason Thursday on the road against the New York Giants. The Vikings (1-1) travel to face the Tennessee Titans the same night.