Left guard Brandon Fusco has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and is active for today's game against the Chargers. He should start.

Fusco presumably suffered his concussion in the win over the Lions last week. He played every snap against the Lions, leading the NFLPA to launch an investigation into why that happened, according to one report.

Fusco practiced on a limited basis on Thursday and was a full-go in Friday's practice. He was officially listed as questionable for today's game, but he cleared the final hurdle after practicing Friday with no setbacks.

Fusco being cleared is huge for a Vikings team already down two starting offensive linemen in center John Sullivan and right tackle Phil Loadholt.

Inactive for the Vikings are quarterback Taylor Heinicke, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Jabari Price, linebacker Edmond Robinson, guard Zac Kerin, tight end Chase Ford and defensive end Danielle Hunter.

The Chargers will be without the services of starting cornerback Brandon Flowers and tight end Ladarius Green. Also inactive are wide receiver/return specialist Jacoby Jones, running back Donald Brown, safety Jahleel Addae, outside linebacker Tourek Williams and guard Johnnie Troutman.

Starting guard D.J. Fluker and corner Jason Verrett are active for San Diego.

Here is some pregame reading to keep you busy until the noon kickoff:

— My colleague Mark Craig dusted off his Rolodex to speak with several of the men who played prominent roles when running back Adrian Peterson set the single-game rushing mark against the Chargers eight years ago.

— Jim Souhan says Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is a good quarterback for second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to emulate.

— Diggs, the rookie wide receiver and punt returner, is inactive again today. But the Vikings expect him to contribute at some point this season.

— I anticipate another close game today, but I'm going with the Chargers.