Stars shine only on sidelines
Backup quarterback Mike Kafka threw a touchdown pass and running back Joe Banyard ran for another score to help the Minnesota Vikings beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 14-3, last night in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
Most of the regulars watched from the sidelines in the annual exhibition opener, including Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger.
Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 5-of-6 passes for 44 yards in his one series of work. The reigning Rookie of the Year’s night ended when the Steelers stopped the Vikings on fourth down midway through the first quarter.
Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis waved a “Terrible Towel” during pregame introductions, with the decidedly pro-Pittsburgh crowd roaring its approval. The running back nicknamed “The Bus” stood with the rest of the Hall’s new class for the coin toss, the only moment of true star power on a night the bold-faced names still in uniform didn’t break a sweat if they even bothered to suit up at all.
Peterson’s return from a lengthy suspension will have to wait at least one more week, if not decidedly longer. The running back hasn’t played in an exhibition in nearly four years, a streak likely to continue. Peterson’s position on the depth chart is safe. The ones behind him not so much as the Vikings try to build on an erratic but at times promising 2014 behind Bridgewater and firstyear coach Mike Zimmer.
Like Peterson, Roethlisberger stuck to shorts and a T-shirt. All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell and AllPro wide receiver Antonio Brown put together a full dress rehearsal, even going through warm-ups. They spent the majority of the night hanging out on the sideline.
• The Buffalo Bills signed Nickell Robey to a contract extension. The third-year cornerback was entering the final season of his deal.
• Cleveland Browns rookie running back Duke Johnson will not play in the exhibition opener against the Washington Redskins as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury.
• Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was carted from practice with a left ankle injury.
• Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback JaCorey Shepherd will have an MRI to determine the extent of a right leg injury suffered in practice. Shepherd was injured when he ran into running back Darren Sproles after a play.
• Lavonte David and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a five-year, $50.25 million contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.