Second-year cornerback Mike Hughes made his debut for the 2019 season during the Vikings' 34-14 win over the Raiders on Sunday.
Hughes, who hadn't played in 11 months since injuring multiple ligaments in his left knee, saw a decent workload — about 30 snaps as the slot cornerback — while knocking off some rust. Hughes had three tackles, missed two tackles and was flagged for defensive holding, which was declined after Hunter Renfrow caught a 12-yard pass with Hughes in coverage.
"It was really good for Mike to get out there and get his feet wet," coach Mike Zimmer said. "He missed some tackles, but I think that's part about the apprehension — you know, when you first go out there and you haven't played in over a year."
Hughes played with a brace on his surgically-repaired left knee.
"I'm not really a big fan of the brace," Hughes said. "I listen to orders and follow directions. We'll see what we do with the brace from here."
Hughes' return came at a good time for the Vikings with cornerback Mackensie Alexander still sidelined because of a dislocated elbow suffered Sept. 8 against the Falcons.
"I knew he was going to be a little rusty," Zimmer said, "but he's going to continue to get better and better now as it goes forward, once he starts continuing to build his confidence about his injury."
Kline, Beebe injured
The Vikings lost two players to injury in right guard Josh Kline (concussion) and receiver Chad Beebe (ankle).