A look at the Vikings vs. Rams

Preseason Game 1

By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune

Last update: August 10, 2007 - 11:59 AM

VIKINGS VS. RAMS

7 p.m. Friday at the Metrodome

TV: Ch. 5 • Radio: 1130-AM, 100.3-FM

ABOUT THE VIKINGS

Adrian Peterson (hip pointer) said Thursday he has been told he will play tonight. Coach Brad Childress continues to say the rookie No. 1 draft choice's status will be a game-time decision. ... Tarvaris Jackson will start at quarterback and play the first quarter; Brooks Bollinger will play the second quarter. ... Defensive end Erasmus James (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform list and won't play. Likely joining James on the sideline will be linebackers Jason Glenn (knee) and John Kerr (back), running back Wendell Mathis (hamstring) and defensive end Khreem Smith (knee/ankle). ... Players went through what amounted to a walk-through that took just more than an hour on Thursday morning in Mankato. ...The team will be off Saturday and resume practice at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Mankato.

ABOUT THE RAMS

Running back Steven Jackson scored four touchdowns (three rushing) in the 2006 regular-season finale as St. Louis routed the Vikings 41-21 at Metrodome. The Rams, who are coached by former Vikings offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, have five former Vikings: safety Corey Chavous, quarterback Gus Frerotte, linebacker Raonall Smith, and offensive linemen Adam Goldberg and Todd Steussie. Rams tight end Dominique Byrd is a graduate of Breck High School. ... St. Louis' coaching staff also includes former Vikings assistants Brian Baker (defensive line) and Todd Downing (defensive and special teams assistant). ... Receiver and return man Dante Hall has a sore hamstring, and it will be a game-time decision whether he plays.