Read the recap: How the Vikings’ fourth-quarter rally fell short in Dublin

In the first stop on their first-of-its kind NFL road trip, the Vikings fell to 2-2 with a 24-21 loss to the Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin. Carson Wentz was sacked six times, and Aaron Rodgers had a throwback performance in his 31st game against the Vikings in front of an announced crowd of 74,912. The Vikings now head to London to play the Cleveland Browns next week at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

DUBLIN - Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill will have an MRI on his knee tonight, Kevin O’Connell said in his postgame news conference, adding that the team’s medical staff was concerned about his MCL. Center Ryan Kelly is in the NFL concussion protocol for the second time this season.

- Ben Goessling

The Vikings (2-2) lost 24-21 to the Steelers in Dublin.

Carson Wentz’s late rally fell short when he took the sixth sack of the game and was flagged for intentional grounding, pushing the offense back to their own 23 with 28 seconds left and no timeouts.

The critical pressure appeared to be created up the middle, where left guard Blake Brandel did not see Steelers pass rusher Nick Herbig until it was too late.

The Vikings got to their own 37, but then took a delay of game penalty and Wentz’s fourth-down pass to receiver Jordan Addison was batted away by Steelers safety DeShon Elliott.

This is the Vikings’ first international loss. They’re 4-1 in five games. They have another on deck next week. The team is scheduled to depart for London on Monday to prepare to face the Cleveland Browns.

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - After the Steelers punted from the Minnesota 45 to give the Vikings the ball back with a chance to tie or win the game, James Pierre appeared to intercept Carson Wentz’s pass along the sideline on the first play. But review saved the Vikings and ruled it an incomplete pass. Officials ruled Pierre did not have possession until he was out of bounds.

- Ben Goessling

Welcome back, Jordan Addison.

- Andrew Krammer

The Vikings defense has shown signs of wear and frustration, but they got the ball back to the offense with 4:09 left in regulation, down 24-14.

The Steelers attempted a fourth-and-goal play from the 3 with a handoff to running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has 16 carries for 90 yards and two scores on the ground. Pittsburgh chewed up precious clock for the Vikings — 3 minutes, 41 seconds — on the nine-play drive. Edge rusher Dallas Turner was flagged 15 yards for unnecessary roughness after slapping Steelers receiver DK Metcalf, who appeared to instigate the conflict by pulling at Turner’s face mask.

- Andrew Krammer

Quarterback Carson Wentz brought the Vikings offense back to life with a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that didn’t need a third down until Wentz’s 16-yard scoring pass to running back Zavier Scott in the back of the end zone. Wentz found receiver Jalen Nailor for the two-point conversion, cutting the Vikings’ deficit to 24-14 with 7:50 left in regulation.

Receiver Justin Jefferson has a 100-yard game, with nine catches for 115 yards. Scott, surprisingly, has the second-most receptions, with five.

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - One thing you notice about the Temple Bar area of Dublin is that the acoustic music is not often quaint.

It is often very loud.

Like, Metallica loud.

The music is ear-splitting, whether it’s rock or pop, old or new, Irish or American.

The music knocks you back, making you wonder if something about Ireland causes hearing loss.

Croke Park’s sound system may have been heard in Amsterdam.

And when it wasn’t the sound system pumping out the volume, it was Steelers fans.

They showed up and shouted out.

Another impression of Croke Park: The view from the upper deck, across the city, is stunning. Like if Norman Rockwell did some work in Ireland.

- Jim Souhan

The Steelers turned another short field into points. The Vikings’ were down 24-6 with 11:18 left in regulation after Steelers kicker Chris Boswell’s 33-yard field goal. The kick capped an eight-play, 31-yard drive that started at the Vikings’ 46. The Steelers have turned what was a one-score game with the Vikings trailing 14-6 in the middle of the third quarter into a runaway following Carson Wentz’s second interception that was tipped at the line of scrimmage.

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - We’re through three quarters, and the Vikings’ offensive line has sprung so many leaks, it seems like the only question is whether they’ll get through the game without any further injuries. Ryan Kelly has been ruled out with his second concussion of the year, Brian O’Neill is done with a knee injury and backup center Michael Jurgens was in the medical tent during the third quarter, briefly causing the Vikings to prepare to move Blake Brandel to center and Joe Huber to left guard.

Dating back to the Vikings’ playoff loss to the Rams, they’ve allowed 27 sacks in their last five games, and have given up at least one in every game since Oct. 23, 2023 (Kirk Cousins’ last full game as the Vikings’ starting QB in a Monday night win over the 49ers before he tore his Achilles tendon). Kevin O’Connell prioritized offensive line upgrades this offseason, and the Vikings are currently playing without three of their preferred five starters. With Kelly’s concussion being the fifth of his career, it’s hard to imagine he’ll play next Sunday against the Browns, which could mean another start for Jurgens and an effort to add depth to the roster this week, especially if O’Neill’s knee injury is serious.

- Ben Goessling

The Steelers made good on the field position given to them by T.J. Watt’s interception. Kenneth Gainwell powered the drive, carrying four times in five plays for 27 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown. Gainwell has 11 carries for 57 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per rushing attempt. The Vikings defense entered today’s game allowing an average of 4.5 yards per carry from opposing offenses.

- Emily Leiker

DUBLIN - At one point before the start of the Vikings’ last drive, center Michael Jurgens went into the medical team and they sent out Blake Brandel to play center and Joe Huber at left guard. But Jurgens was out of the tent in time to start the drive. Brandel moved back to left guard.

It was a brutal three-snap sequence for Carson Wentz after he converted a third down with an 11-yard scramble to keep the Vikings’ drive alive late in the third quarter. He was sacked for a loss of 8 yards and fumbled. Right guard Will Fries recovered. Then Wentz was sacked again for a loss of 5. The drive ended on third-and-16 at the 50-yard line when Wentz was intercepted by T.J. Watt near the line of scrimmage. Watt returned the pick 12 yards to put the Steelers offense at the Vikings’ 35. The TV broadcast noted that Wentz has been grimacing as he gets up; he also shook out his right hand early in the drive after a hit.

- Emily Leiker

Vikings center Ryan Kelly, who just returned from a concussion that caused him to miss last week’s game, is out of the game after being evaluated for a concussion. Michael Jurgens was in at center to start the second half.

Right tackle Brian O’Neill has been ruled out after leaving the game in the first quarter with a knee injury. He was replaced by Justin Skule, who is returning this week from his own concussion.

Blake Brandel started at left guard Sunday in place of Donovan Jackson, who had wrist surgery last week and will miss two games.

According to the TV broadcast, quarterback Carson Wentz received treatment for his eye but is all right.

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - On Friday, after the Vikings practiced at the Sport Ireland Campus on the northwest side of Dublin, dozens of Irish media members asked head coach Kevin O’Connell about his own Irish heritage.

Asked if he knew which part of Ireland his ancestors were from, the coach said, “Stay tuned on that. I’m going to try to attempt to get a little bit more clarity here while we are here this weekend. My mom and dad will be here, with some other family as well. First time for our family getting to come to this beautiful place.”

This namesake pub below in Dublin near the O’Connell Bridge over the River Liffey in Dublin.

DUBLIN - We’ve reached halftime, and it’s 14-6 Steelers, though the Vikings will receive the second-half kickoff. They turned Isaiah Rodgers’ blocked field goal into three points, though they could have had more on their drive at the end of the half if Justin Jefferson hadn’t lost his footing as he turned the corner following his 29-yard reception.

The fact Jefferson didn’t score on the play became a bigger factor given Carson Wentz’s vision issues at the end of the drive. The Vikings called their last timeout so their medical staff could attend to Wentz, who appeared to have something in his right eye. Wentz kept applying his towel to his face, and his last throw was a pop fly that could have been intercepted if Darius Slay had gotten both of his feet in bounds. After the Vikings’ offense left the field, the medical staff went over to Wentz as he tried to clear something from his right eye.

Wentz completed his first 11 passes of the game, before his interception that was tipped by Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon — the Oregon defensive tackle who’d impressed the Vikings during his visit with the team at the NFL combine. He’s hit Jefferson eight times for 97 yards, but the Vikings so far haven’t had an answer for Aaron Rodgers, who seems to be turning back the clock in what might be his final game against his old NFC North nemesis. He’s 12 of 14 for 165 yards and his 80-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf.

- Ben Goessling

Kicker Will Reichard’s 28-yard field goal just before halftime marked the fourth consecutive game this season in which the Vikings have scored inside the two-minute warning. Quarterback Carson Wentz got the ball with 1:38 remaining and found receiver Justin Jefferson for 29-yard and 17-yard connections to move the Vikings into scoring position. The Vikings have scored 19 points inside the two-minute warning this season. The Vikings trailed the Steelers 14-6 at halftime.

DUBLIN - The Vikings used their last timeout for their medical staff to check on Carson Wentz, who seemed like he had something in his eye during the Vikings’ last series. After the field goal, the medical staff came over to Wentz on the bench, who was trying to wipe out his right eye.

- Ben Goessling

Another game, another Sunday of Vikings players rallying around cornerback Isaiah Rodgers following a big play. Rodgers, who made NFL history with two defensive touchdowns and two forced fumbles in last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, made a leaping block of Steelers kicker Chris Boswell’s 30-yard field-goal attempt. Rodgers’ block and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.’s recovery kept three points off the board for Pittsburgh. The Vikings trail 14-3 with 1:38 to go before halftime.

- Andrew Krammer

Critical moments have been a roller coaster for Carson Wentz in Dublin.

The Vikings are 1-for-5 on third down. The only conversion came earlier on the drive when Wentz found receiver Adam Thielen for a 6-yard catch. Wentz has otherwise taken two sacks and thrown a pick in those key situations. Running back Jordan Mason had to keep the drive alive with a fourth-and-1 run.

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - Both quarterbacks had completed all of their passes until Carson Wentz’s throw was tipped and intercepted by DeShon Elliott.

- Ben Goessling

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver DK Metcalf are pouring it on.

Metcalf has quickly altered the course of this game, catching 4-of-4 targets for 122 yards and a TD.

- Andrew Krammer

The Vikings offense has started 0-or-2 on third downs.

Both plays resulted in quarterback Carson Wentz taking a sack after holding the ball too long. On the last third down, left tackle Christian Darrisaw was flagged for a false start and then was on the wrong end of the ensuing sack. Steelers pass rusher Nick Herbig got around Darrisaw. Remember Brian O’Neill is currently out with a knee injury, which is likely why tight end T.J. Hockenson was helping on the opposite side with replacement tackle Justin Skule. But the Steelers dropped edge rusher T.J. Watt into coverage, leaving the Vikings with extra blockers and no additional rushers.

- Andrew Krammer

The biggest concern for the Vikings is right tackle Brian O’Neill, who was down on the field after injuring his knee on the Vikings’ field-goal attempt. Teammates took a knee while the Vikings’ medical staff attended to O’Neill, and while the right tackle was able to walk off gingerly on his own, he went to the locker room. He’s questionable to return, and Justin Skule is at right tackle in his place.

- Ben Goessling

The Steelers took the lead with a 1-yard touchdown rush by running back Kenneth Gainwell. After going three-and-out on their opening drive, the Steelers executed nine plays for 71 yards and a TD, highlighted by back-to-back completions from Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver DK Metcalf for a combined 28 yards, the first converting a third-and-2 at the Vikings’ 35. Rodgers also connected with Metcalf early in the drive for 14 yards.

- Emily Leiker

Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill was injured during Will Reichard’s field goal attempt and is questionable to return according to the Vikings. He went to the locker room with a knee injury. Justin Skule entered the game in his spot.

DUBLIN - This certainly doesn’t feel like a neutral-site environment game, thanks to how well the Steelers fans traveled. But there are enough Vikings fans here that it also doesn’t feel like a trip to Pittsburgh. The Steelers brought as much of their hometown feel as they could, bringing players out to “Right Here, Right Now” as they do every week, before U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” played as the Steelers introduced their defensive starters. They also unfurled a custom Terrible Towel with an Irish flag on it, and had Jerome Bettis and Ben Roethlisberger on the field before the game.

- Ben Goessling

The Vikings were first on the board, though that was almost not the case. Mid-drive, the Vikings had a scare when Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey scooped a Jordan Mason fumble and turned it into what was initially ruled a 62-yard touchdown. The play was called after review with Mason ruled out of bounds. The Vikings kept pushing downfield, but quarterback Carson Wentz took an 8-yard sack on third-and-9 at the Steelers’ 15-yard line. The Vikings settled for a 41-yard field goal by Will Reichard for a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Justin Jefferson had four catches for 38 yards on the drive.

- Emily Leiker

- Ben Goessling

The Vikings defense got after Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers immediately. Jalen Redmond sacked Rodgers on the first play from scrimmage for a loss of 8 yards. How often that Vikings’ front seven can get to Rodgers should dictate this game. The Steelers couldn’t make up the difference after that sack and went three-and-out.

- Emily Leiker

The Vikings won the coin toss and deferred. They start on defense.

- Naila-Jean Meyers

1. Can the Vikings pound the rock?

We never know exactly what the game plan will be, but logic indicates that the Vikings, with a retro-fitted quarterback, will want to get Jordan Mason going early.

Mason has been as impressive in his limited time in Minnesota as he was last year with the 49ers, and may be a better pass receiver than his previous usage indicates.

Running the ball would make life easier for Carson Wentz. With Ryan Kelly and Christian Darrisaw in the lineup, can the Vikings muscle the Steelers’ front?

2. Yes, it’s about the QB

3. Yes, it’s about their QB

Aaron Rodgers can still pass accurately and still read a defense. Can he make plays on the move, which was once his specialty? Can he take multiple hard hits? Can Brian Flores’ defense make him uncomfortable? That might be the most important aspect in this game.

- Jim Souhan

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will face the Vikings today for the 31st time, more than any other opponent, in his NFL career.

Rodgers, 41, is off to a 2-1 start in Pittsburgh, where he signed in June after the Vikings briefly considered pursuing him as a free agent. Rodgers’ teams have a 17-12-1 record against the Vikings in his career; with the Jets last year, he lost to the Vikings in London.

- Andrew Krammer

Ben Goessling’s prediction: The Steelers defense has forced eight turnovers through three games, one ahead of the Vikings for the second-most in the league so far. If Pittsburgh can pressure Carson Wentz and win the turnover battle, it could have a chance to hand the Vikings their first international loss. But the Vikings have a talent advantage, and their pass rush might be too much for the Steelers to handle. This one could follow a similar path to the Vikings’ London game against the Jets last year, where they get an early lead and withstand a Rodgers-led comeback. Vikings 21, Steelers 17

Mark Craig’s prediction: The Vikings finally have the Rodgers who isn’t washed up. Vikings 28, Steelers 17

What’s yours? Vote below. Tap on “Show results” to see what others think.

Vikings receiver Jordan Addison will make his season debut today, returning from a three-game suspension that stemmed from a 2024 DUI arrest in Los Angeles. Addison, 23, pleaded no contest to a lesser charge in July.

Coach Kevin O’Connell said Addison, whose 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons trail only Randy Moss in team history, would be on the “podium” if he were ranking the best players in camp.

“He’s very, very unique as far as his route running,” O’Connell said. “He’s got such unique separation ability throughout different levels of routes. He can win early. He can win late.”

Addison was the favorite target of quarterback J.J. McCarthy in training camp, but he caught his first pass from Carson Wentz, today’s starting QB, at practice on Wednesday.

“We worked for a bit after practice just to get the timing down,” Addison said. ”We was clicking, though.”

Wentz said he’d seen Addison’s game from afar: “Extremely talented, the way he gets in and out of breaks, the competitiveness.”

“Without a doubt, it’s exciting,” Wentz said. “Some of these things are still new, but I get to see the juice these guys bring and their ability to get in and out of cuts — all the guys. It’s been impressive to see, and I’m excited to just play point guard, so to speak, and distribute.”

- Andrew Krammer

DUBLIN - Everywhere I went this week, I ran into Vikings fans.

Everywhere I went this week, I ran into more Steelers fans.

On Saturday, my wife and I hiked in Howth, a beautiful seaside village that is part of Dublin. Our party of four — we had two friends with us — was joined by four Steelers fans.

About 45 minutes before kickoff, I would guess Steelers fans outnumber Vikings fans.

We’ll have a better estimate when we hear crowd noise during the game.

Everyone we’ve met in Ireland has been friendly and hospitable, and Croke Park is massive. I don’t see any reason why the NFL wouldn’t come back, and bring the Vikings again.

- Jim Souhan

DUBLIN - The NFL’s first game in Dublin is hardly the city’s first exposure to American football. Several college football games have been played here in recent years. But the NFL’s incursion into Ireland is the long-awaited product of the Rooney family’s efforts to get a regular-season game in their ancestral home. Talks began in 2011, when Steelers owner Dan Rooney was serving as U.S. ambassador to Ireland under President Barack Obama, but the league was already playing an annual game in London by that point, eventually building to three per year there. It took years for the league to finally get a game lined up at Croke Park, the biggest stadium in the country; Rooney died in 2017, leaving the team to his son Art Rooney II.

Entering today’s game in Dublin, the Vikings are 4-0 in regular-season games and 4-0 in preseason games played outside of the U.S.

Regular season

Preseason

- Joel Rippel

DUBLIN - The Vikings will have four injured players out for Sunday’s game: Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), J.J. McCarthy (high ankle sprain), Donovan Jackson (wrist) and Ben Yurosek (knee). Their other inactives today are Walter Rouse and Desmond Ridder, who’ll be the emergency third quarterback. The Vikings activated running back Cam Akers from the practice squad on Saturday.

- Ben Goessling

DUBLIN - Hello from Croke Park, where the Vikings and Steelers kick off in a little under two hours. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is in the house for the NFL’s first game in Dublin. The field felt pristine and the weather is supposed to be in the low 60s with no rain in the forecast.

The Vikings stayed at the Shelbourne Hotel this week, but they weren’t the most famous guests at the hotel this week. Former President Barack Obama stayed at the same hotel this week for a speaking engagement in Dublin.

- Ben Goessling

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