MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings starters were sharp against the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 26-16 win in the second preseason game, but right tackle Phil Loadholt was lost to an achilles injury.

Loadholt went down on the second play of the Vikings first offensive series. An MRI today will determine if he will be lost for the season. Loadholt missed the final five games of last season to a torn pectoral muscle.

After Loadholt was lost, Teddy Bridgewater and the offense didn't miss a beat -- putting together two scoring drives in the first quarter. Bridgewater hit receiver Jarius Wright twice for big games, the second one setting up fullback Zach Line for a one-yard touchdown and a 9-0 lead.

The Vikings defense welcomed Tampa Bay quarterback and first-overall pick Jameis Winston to the NFL, sacking him twice and keeping him to 2-of-8 passing in his first four drives.

One of those incompletions came courtesy of Vikings safety Antone Exum, who intercepted Winston in Bucs territory early in the second quarter.

The interception set up a beautiful 21-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Shaun Hill to Cordarrelle Patterson, giving Minnesota a 16-3 lead. Hill wasn't done, as he connected with Detroit Lakes native Adam Thielen for a 15-yard-touchdown later in the quarter.

The Vikings are now 2-0 in the preseason and will host the Oakland Raiders next week.

 

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