Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens

Saturday, August 16, 2008

*Jackson hurt as Vikings topple Ravens*

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- Tarvaris Jackson was off to a marvelous start for second straight week before a knee injury abruptly ended his stint in the Minnesota Vikings' 23-15 preseason victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night.

Second-year running back Adrian Peterson made his preseason debut for the Vikings, rushing eight times for 30 yards in the first half.

Jackson was injured with 3:27 remaining in the first quarter. The third-year quarterback scrambled and was hit by Baltimore's Antwan Barnes, Ray Lewis and Dawan Landry, knocking him from the game shortly afterward.

During the second quarter, Jackson stood along the Minnesota (1-1) sideline with a protective brace on his knee. He completed 7-of-11 passes for 82 yards including a 23-yard touchdown pass to Martin Nance. He also ran twice for 22 yards.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress called Jackson's injury a contusion.

"I'm sure he'll be stiff and sore tomorrow," Childress said. "I'm not that concerned. He's a tough kid."

A week ago, in the Vikings' preseason opener, Jackson threw on Minnesota's first 11 plays - completing eight for 118 yards and one touchdown. In his two games, Jackson is 15-for-22 for 200 yards, and is trying to make fans forget that the Vikings wanted to acquire Brett Favre to supplant him.

Vikings backup Gus Frerotte finished 4-for-9 for 69 yards.

Baltimore (1-1), meanwhile, came no closer to solving its quarterback quandary.

Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, got the nod against Minnesota. Smith was inconsistent, throwing just five times and completing three for 23 yards. He was intercepted once and sacked twice.

Kyle Boller, who's had a rocky six-year career with the Ravens, had a much easier time with New England's first-team defense last week than with Minnesota's second-teamers. He finished 8-for-12 for 40 yards and was sacked twice.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore's first-round draft choice, played late in the fourth quarter and completed 10-of-15 passes for 74 yards. He also was sacked twice.

Running back Willis McGahee was among a number of key starters out for the Ravens.