Backup QB Nick Mullens throws TD pass in Vikings’ 27-12 win over Browns in battle of roster reserves

CLEVELAND, OH – A significant setback for one of Minnesota’s quarterbacks opened the door for another. Nick Mullens is determined to seize this opportunity.

With J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending injury reshuffling the Vikings’ quarterback situation, Mullens stepped up and threw a touchdown pass in their 27-12 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Mullens connected with wide receiver Trishton Jackson for a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter, helping the Vikings (2-0) secure the win.

Although Mullens completed only 11 of 21 passes for 135 yards, his most crucial statistic was avoiding turnovers, an issue he struggled with during three starts last season while filling in for Kirk Cousins. Minnesota’s third-string QB, Jaren Hall, also made an impact with two second-half scoring passes, including a 71-yarder to Jeshaun Jones. Rookie Will Reichard added field goals of 41 and 38 yards.

For the Browns (0-2), D’Onta Foreman scored a 1-yard touchdown, and Cade York contributed a 33-yard field goal. Both teams chose to rest their starters and most key backups, feeling they had already achieved sufficient preparation from their joint practices earlier in the week.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson missed his second consecutive game and is expected to return next week against Seattle. This will mark his first game action since a season-ending shoulder injury last November. Jameis Winston, the team’s No. 2 QB, was also sidelined.

It has been a tumultuous week for Minnesota’s quarterbacks. On Tuesday, McCarthy, the promising rookie from Michigan, was lost for the season due to right knee surgery. His injury, suffered during a strong pro debut, not only removed him from competition for the starting role but also solidified Sam Darnold as the starter for this season, moving Mullens into a backup role.

In his performance against the Browns, Mullens was methodical, opting to throw the ball away rather than risk turnovers—a strategy that Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell had hoped for. Hall, projected as Minnesota’s No. 3 QB, finished with a perfect 158.3 passer rating after going 4 of 5.

Mullens led the Vikings to a touchdown on their opening drive, an eight-play, 75-yard series that ended with a well-placed pass to Jackson in the end zone. Browns’ Dorian Thompson-Robinson, competing for the No. 3 job with Tyler Huntley, went 13 of 17 for 126 yards but threw an interception late in the first half. Huntley took over in the second half, going 14 of 20 for 135 yards and two interceptions.

**Up Next:**
– **Vikings:** Visit Philadelphia on August 24.
– **Browns:** At Seattle on August 24.