Hello from CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Vikings just handed us a list of their players who aren't expected to play tonight and there are no surprises.
The list is receiver Jarius Wright, corners Melvin White and Tre Roberson, safety Anthony Harris, defensive tackles Sharrif Floyd and Scott Crichton, guard Brandon Fusco, and linebackers Eric Kendricks and Brandon Watts.
All nine of those players were held out of all three practices this week.
With Fusco out for the second straight preseason game, Joe Berger will get the start at right guard with John Sullivan next to him at center. Shamar Stephen will start at defensive tackle in place of Floyd and Audie Cole will get his second straight start at middle linebacker with Kendricks out.
The Vikings did not announce a change in starters at left cornerback, which suggests veteran Terence Newman will get the nod over Trae Waynes.
Ditto at right tackle, where Andre Smith is still on top of the depth chart.
Looking for some more pre-game reading? Check out my story on wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, who knows this is a make-or-break year and had some interesting things to say about the last two seasons.
