For the third time this season, the Vikings will be without safety Andrew Sendejo. He has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Los AngelesRams because of groin and hamstring injuries.
Anthony Harris could get his third start for Sendejo. However, the ageless Terence Newman filled in when Sendejo exited last week's game at Washington.
"That's the most surprising part, [Newman] being old and out there still able to play," cornerback Xavier Rhodes said of the 39-year-old Newman's spot roles at safety and nickel corner. "Moving well like he's 23."
Could we see No. 23 get the start at safety? Maybe, maybe not. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer conceded Newman's move to safety at Washington was partly due to Harris playing through a lingering hamstring injury. Harris' practice participation was the same this week, ending with a full session Friday.
If healthy, Harris is the presumed starter again given he has trust of the coaching staff. The University of Virginia product regularly aces his position room's weekly quiz. The Vikings have another option in Jayron Kearse, a regular on special teams who is hard to miss at 6-foot-4.
"One's got a little more physicality," Zimmer said. "And the other one's a little more coverage."
Harris' coverage skills might come in handy against the high-flying Rams offense, scoring a league-high 32.9 points per game. Kearse, who hasn't started since he was pulled from his only start last year, said Friday he is feeling more comfortable in the defense.
"Just understanding the game better and being confident in what they want me to do," Kearse said. "I'll continue to learn on defense so when I do get the opportunity, I can go out there and make the best of it."