The Minnesota Vikings have headed into half time 13-6 down against the New Orleans Saints after starting quarterback Matt Cassel was forced out of the game with an injury.
An 80-yard drive at the start of the first quarter resulted in Pierre Thomas running the ball in from just a yard out for the first points of the day.
After the Vikings failed to add points from their opening drive, Drew Brees completed a touchdown pass to tight end Josh Hill, although Shayne Graham could not add the point after.
Cassel tried to scramble to get Minnesota back into the game, but a tackle forced him out of the contest with an ankle injury, bringing rookie Teddy Bridgewater onto the field.
Bridgewater led a couple of promising drives before the break, resulting in two Blair Walsh field goals to leave the Vikings just seven points down.
