7 biggest takeaways from Vikings vs. Raiders in preseason Week 1

Tight ends were largely ineffective

An injury to Irv Smith Jr. has forced the question of who can step up and replace the receiving yards that he can provide if he isn’t completely healed from his thumb surgery. The Minnesota Vikings are hoping he can be ready for the season opener, but if he can’t….it doesn’t look good.

The favorite to start is Johnny Mundt but he was held without a catch in Sunday’s game and was regulated to doing a lot of blocking. Much like Mundt, Ben Ellefson was blanked but acted fairly well as a blocker.

The only tight end to make a catch in the game was Zach Davidson, who hauled in a 12-yard reception. Although that’s disappointing, it’s nice to see the 6’7 weapon record a reception in the preseason.

Hopefully, Smith can return in time to prove he can be a dynamic part of the offense. If not, it could be a bit concerning trying to find someone currently on the roster to catch passes in his place for the 2022 NFL season.