The Vikings will be without head coach Mike Zimmer, but get two starters back in receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Terence Newman for tonight's matchup between the Vikings and NFC-leading Dallas Cowboys.

Diggs missed last Thursday's loss in Detroit due to a knee injury. Newman also sat out in Detroit due to a neck injury he suffered against the Cardinals on Nov. 20.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as interim head coach for at least Thursday night's game.

The Vikings will start their sixth different offensive line combination as second-year center Nick Easton will make his first NFL start for the injured Joe Berger (concussion). Easton initially came to Minnesota last season via the trade that sent linebacker Gerald Hodges to San Francisco.

Two cornerbacks will not suit up in punt returner Marcus Sherels (ribs) and rookie Mackensie Alexander (groin). Sherels has now been held out four of the last six games. Receiver Adam Thielen is expected to return punts.

Six receivers are active for the first time this season.

Also inactive are defensive end Stephen Weatherly, offensive tackle Rashod Hill, quarterback Taylor Heinicke and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is in the building to watch a game for the first time this season. Bridgewater has been on injured reserve since undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated knee and torn anterior cruciate ligament in September.