Among Vikings draft picks, Donovan Jackson started at left guard between newcomers Justin Skule at left tackle (in place of Christian Darrisaw) and center Ryan Kelly. Fellow free agent addition Will Fries opened at right guard, and Brian O’Neill manned right tackle for the first series of the game.
Jackson’s parents, who had toured U.S. Bank Stadium on the day after his selection at No. 24, made the trip to see their son make his NFL debut against his hometown team.
“That’s a team I grew up going to their stadium, going to their games,” Jackson said. “I have a lot of friends on that team, so it was obviously a fun experience, but I wear the Purple and Gold.”
Third-round pick Tai Felton caught two passes for 14 yards and became the first Viking to touch the ball this preseason when he handled the opening kickoff. Felton totaled 36 yards on two kickoff returns with a long of 24.
Undrafted rookie Silas Bolden returned one punt a total of 8 yards and opted for a fair catch on another punt.
Australian punter Oscar Chapman, who is in the International Player Pathway program, booted his lone attempt 52 yards, and the flight of the ball proved difficult to field for Jawhar Jordan. Felton hustled as a gunner and forced a fumble in making the tackle, but it was recovered by Houston’s Tremon Smith.
Myles Price caught a 3-yard touchdown from Brosmer in the fourth quarter one play after what was initially ruled a touchdown to Dontae Fleming was taken off the board. Price also added a 15-yard reception.