Third-string quarterback Christian Ponder, who started for the Vikings in last year's season opener, headlines the team's list of inactives for today's season opener against the St. Louis Rams.
Also inactive are cornerback Shaun Prater, fullback Zach Line, outside linebackers Michael Mauti and Brandon Watts, rookie guard David Yankey and tight end MarQueis Gray.
Head coach Mike Zimmer, who is 90 minutes away from his first NFL game as a head coach, said this week that he didn't expect Line, Mauti and Watts to play. Line is dealing with ankle injury, and it's a foot injury for Mauti and a knee for Watts, though they might have been inactive regardless.
Defensive end Everson Griffen, who was listed as questionable on the final injury report after missing practice Thursday and Friday due to an illness, is active. Nose tackle Linval Joseph is also active and is expected to start, four weeks after he was shot in the calf.
Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson will not play. E.J. Gaines will replace him in the starting lineup.
Also inactive for the Rams are quarterback Case Keenum, running back Tre Mason, safety Maurice Alexander, center Barrett Jones, tight end Alex Bayer and defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks.
