NASHVILLE, TENN. -- Jamarca Sanford, who has been battling Tyrell Johnson for the starting job at strong safety, got the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans. Johnson missed practice time last week because of a hamstring injury, giving Sanford additional reps with the first unit.

Johnson is listed ahead of Sanford on the Vikings' depth chart but he played with the second team. There is a good chance the Vikings could reverse the order next Saturday at Seattle and have Johnson start in front of Sanford.

There were other changes in the starting defense as well with Everson Griffen replacing Jared Allen at right end, Letroy Guion replacing Kevin Williams at defensive tackle, and Chris Cook replacing Antoine Winfield at left corner.

Coahc Leslie Frazier and defensive coordinator Fred Pagac likely just wanted to get a look at those backups with the first unit and didn't feel the need to see the veterans.