Injuries
| On 8 years ago

Vikings Inactives: Key Names Out vs. Seahawks

By Austin Belisle

Image courtesy of Vikings.com

The Minnesota Vikings were without a few starters last week, and that will be the case against the Seattle Seahawks tonight. Many of the names on this evening’s inactives list should play next week in what many consider to be a regular season “tune up.” But for now, a cautious approach means the Vikings will take the field with a lineup that’s very different from the one we’ll see in Week 1.

The full list, as well as starter changes, includes:

The only new addition is Tre Roberson, the quarterback-turned-cornerback who impressed in his first action last Friday. Gone from the list are Adrian Peterson, Marcus Sherels, and Terence Newman. Peterson isn’t expected to play, as he rarely suits up for the preseason, but Neman will return and likely start at left cornerback. Sherels, the team’s designated punt returner, may field a few kicks tonight.

Shamar Stephen had a nice outing against the Bengals last week and will have another opportunity to shine against the Seahawks. He missed almost all of 2015 with a foot injury, but is turning heads at Vikings practice and continues to carve a role in Mike Zimmer’s defense.

At middle linebacker, Audie Cole should get a few more snaps this week. As the Vikings inch closer to Week 3 of the preseason, the starters will see a little more time on the field, and that means more opportunity for the career backup. It’s Eric Kendrick’s spot to lose when he’s healthy, but Cole is trying to stand out in a rather deep linebacker room.

On offense, Joe Berger will once again get starting snaps at right guard. He’s the team’s most versatile interior offensive lineman, but was expected to compete with John Sullivan at center. That’s likely the case, but until Brandon Fusco and Mike Harris return from injury, he’s stuck manning the right side of the offensive line.

Starters will see more playing time tonight, but it’s still a showcase for the rookies and backups. With roster cuts looming, now is the time for those on the bubble to put up or shut up.

Austin Belisle

Austin Belisle is the West Coast's biggest Vikings fan, a football diehard cheering on the purple and yellow from sunny California. After graduating from San Jose State University in 2014, he began working full-time in corporate marketing and blogging on various sports websites. Austin's passion for the Vikings led him to Vikings Territory, where he hopes to share his lifelong enthusiasm for the team with readers on a daily basis. You can follow him on Twitter @austincbelisle

Tags: adrian peterson audie cole Eric Kendricks marcus sherels Shamar Stephen Terence Newman Tre Roberson

View Comments

  • Wished I could watch the game but I'm up here on the Tundra hunting and gathering. . .

  • No worries Fran...it's only preseason.
    However, 6 minutes left in the half and it appears for the most part the starters are still in! One thing though, Teddy hasn't played, been old man Hill all the way so far. And of course no AD.
    It's 0-0. Defense playing great! We are driving right now...just got a 1st and goal...now 2nd and goal at the 3.

  • Hawks starters couldn't move the ball against what looked like a quite a few of our 2nd teamers.