Vikings set to face Raiders this weekend, other NFL notes

(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed he will start Sam Darnold at quarterback for Saturday’s N-F-L preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He says rookie signal-caller J-J McCarthy will follow Darnold, with Jaren Hall finishing up at Q-B. Nick Mullins will likely not play in Saturday’s exhibition, according to O’Connell. O’Connell says he wants to see the three newer guys in the system get most of the opportunities in this first preseason game, which kicks off at 3 P-M at U-S Bank Stadium on Saturday. O’Connell says star receiver Justin Jefferson and veteran safety Harrison Smith will likely not be put at risk of injury and sit out.

(Green Bay, WI) — Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love will play in the preseason game at Cleveland tomorrow after an injury scare in Thursday’s practice. Head coach Matt LaFleur says he will be “smart” in the way he uses his starters. In recent seasons, Aaron Rodgers and other starters skipped preseason action, but that resulted – in some cases – in weak results when the regular season started. Green Bay also had a Christian Watson injury scare in Wednesday’s practice.

(East Rutherford, NJ) — The Detroit Lions opened their preseason with a loss last night in New Jersey. They fell 14-3 to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld was 13-for-24 with 96 yards and an interception. Jake Yates kicked a 53-yard goal. Quarterback Hendon Hooker suffered a concussion, defensive lineman David Bada hurt his Achilles, offensive lineman Connor Galvin hurt his knee and wideout Antoine Green suffered a concussion. The Lions play their second preseason game next Saturday at the Chiefs.