Updated

Updated · ESPN · Aug 23

McCarthy Exits After 18 Snaps in Vikings' 13-3 Loss as O'Connell Cites Injury Scare

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Aug 23

McCarthy Exits After 18 Snaps in Vikings' 13-3 Loss as O'Connell Cites Injury Scare

Q: With a star defender sidelined, which late-round rookie is suddenly dominating the Ravens' defensive interior?

It is **Aeneas Peebles**, the Ravens’ late-round interior lineman who has surged with **Nnamdi Madubuike sidelined**. Peebles, a **2025 sixth-round pick**, has taken advantage of extra work with the first-team defense during OTAs and preseason while Baltimore’s interior remains unsettled. Reports noted he generated pressure on Lamar Jackson in practice and has continued to flash as an interior disruptor, which matches what he showed in college at Virginia Tech, where he had **11.5 sacks**. In the Ravens’ 13-3 preseason win over Minnesota, Peebles again strengthened his case by showing **burst and disruption against both the run and pass**. That performance, combined with his increased workload during Madubuike’s recovery from neck surgery, has made him one of the more notable young defenders pushing for a larger role inside. The broader context is that Baltimore needs interior pass-rush help whenever Madubuike is unavailable, and Peebles’ quickness, gap-shooting style, and recent strong camp work have put him squarely in that conversation.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 23

J.J. McCarthy left Minnesota's preseason loss after 18 first-quarter snaps, with Kevin O'Connell saying the quarterback was "banged up" and held out earlier than planned.
Three hits and one sack marked a rough outing, capped by a play where McCarthy got up slowly after four Ravens defenders collapsed the pocket; O'Connell said he seemed fine but gave no specific injury.
McCarthy finished 5 of 10 for 81 yards, including a 50-yard strike to Tai Felton, but missed open end-zone throws to Felton and Myles Price as the Vikings failed to score on their best chance.
The setback draws extra attention because the 2024 No. 10 pick missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus and also lost time last year to an ankle sprain, concussion and hand fracture.
Minnesota enters a key final camp week before Friday's game at Denver with McCarthy still trying to secure the No. 2 job behind Kyler Murray in a competition that also includes Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer.