Hargrave questionable to return
Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is dealing with a chest injury and is questionable to return, the team announced. Hargrave was being evaluated in the sideline medical tent during the Vikings’ offensive possession.
Q2, 9:20 | Vikings 17, Bengals 0
The Vikings offense basically started in field goal range and that’s what they came away with on their fourth possession of the game. Kicker Will Reichard’s 35-yard field goal extends the Vikings lead to 17-0 over the Bengals with 9:20 before halftime.
A strong defensive showing, including edge rusher Jonathan Greenard drawing a hold to negate a third-down conversion to Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, helped back up the Bengals and give the Vikings good field position. A shanked kick from Cincinnati’s punter set up the Vikings offense at the Bengals’ 43-yard line. They settled for a field goal after quarterback Carson Wentz missed a third-down throw to receiver Jalen Nailor. Wentz appeared to take a helmet-to-helmet hit by a Bengals defender on the play that was not flagged.
Vikings tight end TJ. Hockenson (87) picks up yardage during the second quarter against the Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
End of Q1 | Vikings 14, Bengals 0
The first quarter is finally in the books, at 12:47 p.m., and the Vikings lead 14-0 in a game that couldn’t have started any better for them but has since ground to a halt. After marching down the field for a touchdown to start the game, the Vikings have gone three-and-out on consecutive possessions, while Carson Wentz has been sacked on both drives.
