Joseph out versus Bears, Griffen will start, and Vikings pregame reading

Already down safety Harrison Smith and outside linebacker Anthony Barr, the Vikings will be without nose tackle Linval Joseph today.

Joseph is inactive for the third straight game due a toe injury. He practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday and was questionable heading into the game. But he will miss at least one more game.

Defensive end Everson Griffen is active, though, and will start.

With Joseph out, Sharrif Floyd and Tom Johnson will start at defensive tackle. Rookie Anthony Harris will start next to Andrew Sendejo at safety. And Edmond Robinson will replace Barr at strong-side linebacker.

Also inactive for the Vikings are quarterback Taylor Heinicke, wide receiver Charles Johnson, and offensive linemen Nick Easton and Jeremiah Sirles.

Defensive end Zach Moore, who was promoted from the practice squad yesterday after Scott Crichton got put on injured reserve, will play today.

Meanwhile, on the other side of things, Bears wideout Alshon Jeffery, tight end Zach Miller and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee will all play.

Their inactives are cornerbacks Bryce Callahan and Jacoby Glenn, running back Antone Smith, linebacker Christian Jones, offensive linemen Nick Becton and Tayo Fabuluje, and wide receiver Cameron Meredith.

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

— Defensive tackle Tom Johnson chased QBs overseas, on 110-yard fields and inside of basketball arenas before finding a home with the Vikings.

— Columnist Jim Souhan writes that 37-year-old cornerback Terence Newman has been one of the team’s most important players this season.

— I predict the Vikings will beat the Bears today and snap their losing skid.