Ravens and Vikings give each other a valuable test on the first day of joint practice

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings engaged in their first joint practice on a sunny Wednesday, testing each other as they aim for playoff returns after underperforming in 2025. Both teams are making significant changes, with the Ravens under new coach Jesse Minter focusing on reviving their defense and the Vikings breaking in quarterback Kyler Murray.

The joint practices, preferred for regular-season readiness, provided a valuable test for the teams. The Ravens' defense, under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, generated pressure on the Vikings' offense during full-team drills, giving Ravens QB Lamar Jackson little time to throw. However, the practice was not without its minor incident: Ravens center Danny Pinter injured his hand during a drill and was carted off.

Two other newcomers, Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn, are now in the competition for Pinter's starting role. While special teams drills were intense, the practice remained mostly peaceful, with the coaches warning players not to engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.