TreVeyon Henderson led the way for the Patriots, scoring on an 8-yard run in the first quarter.
TreVeyon Henderson led the way for the Patriots, scoring on an 8-yard run in the first quarter.Bruce Kluckhohn/Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Notes and observations from the Patriots-Vikings exhibition game at U.S. Bank Stadium . . .
1. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson might be New England’s most dynamic and reliable offensive playmaker.
On the Patriots’ second drive in the first quarter, on a third and four from Minnesota’s 8-yard line, Henderson stayed patient and managed to find an opening in the line of scrimmage, breaking at least two tackles on his way to the end zone. Three plays earlier, Henderson had kept the drive alive with a 11-yard run on a third and 10.
The carries showcased Henderson’s strength and speed — traits that have become increasingly apparent this summer.
Quarterback Drake Maye also targeted Henderson on a third and 7 during the first drive. Even though the ball fell through his hands, it’s clear the Patriots are comfortable trusting Henderson in got-to-have-it situations — and, for the most part, he’s delivering.
2. Rookie receiver Kyle Williams got shaken up after converting a first down in the second quarter. Williams caught a 6-yard pass from backup quarterback Josh Dobbs and was met with a big hit from Vikings linebacker Austin Keys. Williams stayed down on the field before visiting the blue medical tent on the sideline and exiting to the locker room.
3. Maye was on the field for 15 snaps over two series, following the same plan the starting offense did in the preseason opener. He completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 46 yards and did not log any rushing attempts or scrambles.
Maye’s most popular target was Mack Hollins, who caught three passes, including one deep throw that required a toe tap along the sideline. Hollins, at 6 feet, 4 inches and 221 pounds, is the biggest receiver on the roster and was able to haul in a couple of high passes from Maye. He finished with three receptions for 38 yards.
After a strong showing during the joint practices, Maye sailed a few of his throws Saturday. His pass to an open DeMario Douglas was out of his reach, bouncing off Douglas’s outstretched hands and almost into the arms of Vikings safety Tavierre Thomas.
Communication is still a work in progress for the starting offense, which was flagged for a delay-of-game penalty on the fifth play of the opening drive.
4. New England’s starting offensive line featured Will Campbell at left tackle, Ben Brown at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard, and Marcus Bryant at right tackle. The switch from rookie Jared Wilson to Brown was notable, given Wilson’s early exit from Thursday’s practice and slight dip in performance after a strong start to camp.
Wilson took the field for the third series, once Maye and the starting offense left the game, playing left guard alongside Bryant, the rookie moving to left tackle. Brown moved to center, Cole Strange stepped in at right guard, and Vederian Lowe came in at right tackle.
Later in the game, Wilson took some reps at center.
5. Just like the Commanders in the exhibition opener, the Vikings didn’t play any of their offensive or defensive starters.
6. After a quiet start to camp, undrafted rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III is impossible to ignore. Chism caught all six of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown, displaying impressive strength at the catch point and on the run.
On New England’s 13-play, 93-yard scoring drive in the second quarter, Chism accounted for 63 yards. He made two third-down receptions, including a touchdown catch in which he should have been tackled at the 7-yard line but fought for extra yardage to cross the goal line.
Chism with 6 to put the Pats up!
📺: WBZ pic.twitter.com/zWsWVls2E4
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2025
7. Kicking competition update: Andres Borregales sent a 57-yard field goal attempt wide left but later made a 51-yarder. Parker Romo made his lone attempt, from 28 yards.
In the opener, Romo made his 57-yard try and Borregales made his 22-yarder.
The rest of the special teams unit also produced some highlights, with cornerback Marcus Jones returning a punt 37 yards to give the Patriots favorable field position, linebacker Jack Gibbens punching out the ball from Vikings kickoff returner Tai Felton to force a fumble, and wide receiver Jeremiah Webb returning a kickoff 59 yards.
8. Cornerback Alex Austin intercepted Sam Howell in the first quarter, as he continues to fare well in his increased snaps with Christian Gonzalez sidelined. Once Gonzalez returns to the field, it would not be surprising if Austin remained part of the rotation on the perimeter. He also could serve as a bigger slot cornerback at 6-1, 191 pounds, helping cover tight ends or other receivers that could be more challenging for the 5-8 Jones.
9. Rookie Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins started at safety. Veteran Kyle Dugger repped with the reserves, playing deep into the fourth quarter when the afternoon was well over for the starters. Dugger’s future appears in doubt, despite the team’s significant investment (four-year, $58 million extension) last April.
10. In addition to Gonzalez, not in uniform for the Patriots were cornerback D.J. James; wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne, and Ja’Lynn Polk; safety Jabrill Peppers; linebackers Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu; running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Terrell Jennings; tight end Hunter Henry; defensive tackle Christian Barmore; and tackle Morgan Moses.
The names were not a surprise, given the players’ participation levels in practice. Peppers is the newest development, as he left Thursday’s practice early.
11. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams once again called the game from a coaching box upstairs. It’s unclear where Williams will be during the regular season, as Vrabel called the exhibition games good tests. Said Vrabel, “There’s a lot of positives to being upstairs, to being able to see things and being able to call the game from there. Just trying to get a gauge on what’s best.”
12. The captains for Saturday’s game were Maye, Jones, special teamer Brenden Schooler, outside linebacker Harold Landry, and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com.Follow her @nicolecyang.