MINNEAPOLIS -- Hello, for the first time on a football Sunday, from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Minnesota Vikings open their new stadium in the third game of the preseason against the San Diego Chargers.
There's plenty of security outside the stadium, including bomb-sniffing dogs for cars in the players' parking lot, and there's a large crowd assembling in the west concourse as fans watch warm-ups upon entering through the large glass doors. For the most part, fans seem to be finding their way to their seats.
The Vikings won't dress five players in their third preseason game. The most notable member of that group is probably left tackle Matt Kalil, who limped off the practice field last Sunday and didn't practice much this week. Kalil said Friday he was feeling good and has just been resting nagging injuries, but his absence means the Vikings probably won't have all five members of their starting offensive line together before the start of the regular season Sept. 11. Instead, T.J. Clemmings will play at left tackle, and it certainly is worth watching how he performs Sunday.
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes also won't play because of a hamstring injury, and his preseason could also be over, assuming the Vikings sit most of their starters Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings will start Trae Waynes at right cornerback. Safety Anthony Harris, defensive tackle Scott Crichton and tight end Rhett Ellison (who was just removed from the physically-unable-to-perform list) also won't play.
