Vikings sit out 10 starters in preseason opener at Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — The Vikings didn’t play 10 starters in Sunday’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

Entering Sunday, it was known that two players were out — quarterback Kirk Cousins, who tested positive Thursday for COVID-19, and tight end Irv Smith Jr., who is out for the entire preseason with a thumb injury. Players who sat out but are not injured were running back Dalvin Cook, wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, cornerback Patrick Peterson, safety Harrison Smith, and linebackers Eric Kendricks, Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter.

The Vikings also announced before the game that offensive lineman Chris Reed, defensive lineman Julian Taylor and wide receiver Thomas Hennigan wouldn’t play.

Minnesota started its regular offensive line, including using Jesse Davis at right guard over rookie Ed Ingram. Starting center Garrett Bradbury was backed up in the game by Austin Schlottmann. Reed, who has played mostly a guard in his NFL career, has been taking some snaps in practice at center in practice, and there has been speculation he could push Bradbury to start.

With Harrison Smith out, rookie Lewis Cine started at alongside Camryn Bynum. Cine was Minnesota’s top draft pick, taken with the No. 32 selection in the first round.

Related Articles

• Minnesota Vikings | Charley Walters: Jerry Kill still not over Minnesota departure

• Minnesota Vikings | Sean Mannion expected to start at QB in Vikings preseason opener

• Minnesota Vikings | Preseason message to young Vikings: ‘You have to smell the roses’

• Minnesota Vikings | Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins tests positive for COVID

• Minnesota Vikings | Vikings’ Jaylen Twyman returns from 2021 shooting in ‘best shape ever’