Ward isn't just another rookie. He has five years of experience as a starter in college at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami that has made him well-prepared for what's about to come.

“His timing is up to date,” Ridley said. “He whips it, he’s confident, it’s smooth. It’s an easy, catchable ball.”

The Vikings won their preseason opener against the Houston Texans, 20-10, but lost their second game to the New England Patriots, 20-12, last weekend.

The New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles will cap their preseasons with a preseason game on Friday night at MetLife Stadium.