NASHVILLE – For the second consecutive week, the Vikings found themselves in the hole at halftime after their opponent opted to play starters early against their third- and fourth-stringers.

The Tennessee Titans, led for a little over a quarter by 2025 No. 1 draft pick Cam Ward at quarterback, built up a 14-3 advantage by the break Friday night and quickly tacked on another three with a 63-yard field goal to cap their opening drive of the second half.

Though rookie quarterback Max Brosmer led a scoring drive out of the half to bring the game to one score, the Vikings again couldn’t mount the second-half comeback and finished the preseason 1-2.

Here are five things we learned in the Vikings’ 23-13 loss:

After strong performances in each of the Vikings’ first two preseason games, Brosmer started under center Friday night. The former Gopher rotated quarters with seventh-year veteran Brett Rypien.

In his six series, Brosmer was 15-of-23 for 161 yards and a touchdown.

“Max once again showed some of the things he’s shown throughout camp: Good decision-maker, made some plays buying a little time with his legs, converting some third downs via some tight completions,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said postgame.

Brosmer has both of the Vikings’ passing touchdowns this preseason. He tallied his second when he found tight end Bryson Nesbit over the middle of the field for a 21-yard scoring play in the third quarter.

“Bryson did an amazing job hitting the right spot and making the guy miss the tackle and score,” Brosmer said. “The protection was great, too. That play was great all around. It’s a good feeling.”

Rypien finished 7-of-14 for 62 yards with an interception. O’Connell said Rypien was evaluated for a concussion midgame following a hit on which he threw an interception.

Vikings second-year kicker Will Reichard attempted a 63-yard field goal that fell short just before halftime. It would have been the longest of his career had he made the kick. His current personal best is a 58-yarder against the Texans last September; he tied that Friday night during the fourth quarter.

Reichard split even on kicks, making two (42 and 58) and missing two (63 and 55). Oscar Chapman, in a battle with Ryan Wright for the punting job, bobbled the snap on the miss from 55 yards. Wright was the holder on the other three kicks.

Price is an interesting case for a roster spot as the Vikings must make decisions by Tuesday on their 53-man roster. He has not moved up the wide receiver depth chart but seems the leading candidate at punt returner.

The Vikings have been without a clear starter in the role since Rondale Moore went down with a season-ending knee injury on his first attempt against the Texans on Aug. 9.

Price had one heart-pounding moment on a punt in the third quarter, double-clutching as he made a fair catch and eliciting an audible reaction from the crowd at Nissan Stadium.

The Vikings sat fourth-year running back Ty Chandler, handing the reins to undrafted free agent Zavier Scott to start the night.

Scott finished with five carries for 28 yards, playing only the first quarter due to what O’Connell said was a right ankle injury.

Scott also appeared on kick returns, taking Tennessee’s opening kick 29 yards. The Vikings moved Scott into the mix on returns this past week of practice as they continue to assess their options.

Running back reps also went to Tre Stewart and Xazavian Valladay. Stewart had five carries for 22 yards; Valladay, signed on Tuesday, carried eight times for 39 yards to lead the team.

Rookie receiver Tai Felton did not play Friday but was at the game in street clothes.

Felton exited a team scrimmage during Wednesday’s practice because of an apparent hand or arm injury.

“He was close to being able to go, but he was pretty sore coming out of that,” O’Connell said. “We have no real long-term concerns, it was more just a matter of him getting a lot of reps the other day. ... He had some moments the other day before ultimately getting a little banged up that showed some real growth.”

Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones and Thayer Thomas started at wide receiver, and the Vikings leaned on their tight ends and running backs for pass-game support with 15 different players targeted.

Dontae Fleming led with 53 receiving yards on two catches, but he couldn’t corral a deep pass from Brosmer while going to the ground on fourth-and-4 in the third quarter.

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