Vikings play it safe in Week 2 preseason loss to the 49ers

The Minnesota Vikings rested a large percentage of their team for the second preseason game of the year and couldn’t get a win against the 49ers.

Recently, Week 2 of the preseason typically signaled what used to be called the “dress rehearsal” game for teams. Most players would suit up for these games and play a drive or two to prepare for the regular season. That absolutely was not the approach the Minnesota Vikings took to this exhibition contest.

The Vikings held 27 players out of the game on Saturday, Aug. 20 against the 49ers. That meant a lot more of the game featured players fighting for a roster spot or position on the depth chart instead of the superstars and household names.

Despite sitting so many players, there was one scary moment when rookie cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. fell to the turf without being contacted and needed help off the field. He did not return to the game with what was being described as an ankle injury. He did return to the sidelines after the injury.

How did the Minnesota Vikings perform?

On the field, Minnesota’s offense sputtered at times to move the ball effectively down the field but the defense was up to the task and held their ground in the first half against some explosive young players on the 49ers roster. The score at the half saw the Vikings leading 7-6 thanks to a Ty Chandler rushing touchdown.

The second half was all San Francisco. They were able to eat the clock on long, sustained drives and limit the offensive opportunities for the Vikings, who were struggling to move the ball down the field and pick up first downs.

Final score: Vikings 7, 49ers 17

It’s hard to win a game when the ball is turned over three times (two Mond interceptions and one Smith-Marsette fumble). This makes six preseason losses in a row for the Minnesota Vikings but they will have a chance to break that streak on Sunday, Aug. 27 against the Broncos.