Tonight, the season will go on for the reeling Vikings, who yesterday placed their starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, on injured reserve.
The L.A. Rams are in town for the preseason finale, and while coach Mike Zimmer and the Vikings are not expected to play many — if any — starters, there will still be players worth watching tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium.
And, yes, a quarterback is one of them.
Here are five players to keep an eye on tonight if you plan on watching.
Joel Stave, QB: The Vikings aren’t expected to risk their current starter, Shaun Hill, tonight. Stave, the undrafted rookie, should get the start and the Vikings have brought back Brad Sorensen in case something happens to him. Stave is not in contention to replace Bridgewater. He still has a long ways to go. But while seeing extended action tonight he will get a chance to convince the Vikings to keep him on the active roster.
Anthony Harris, S: Harris is expected to make his preseason debut after he was sidelined for the first three exhibitions. Harrison Smith won’t play and the Vikings will probably want to limit Andrew Sendejo’s exposure, too, so Harris could play most of the game alongside Jayron Kearse. With Antone Exum on injured reserve, Harris has a good chance of making the team — perhaps at the expense of Michael Griffin — with a strong showing.
Nick Easton, C: The Vikings cut John Sullivan this week and named Joe Berger their starter. Easton is probably going to be his backup plan this season. He should start against the Rams and snap to Stave for most of the night, giving fans a chance to familiarize themselves with the young center.
Moritz Bohringer, WR: The sixth-rounder did not play in the second and third preseason games but should get a long look tonight. He is not making the 53-man roster. He is battling for a practice-squad spot now.
Kentrell Brothers, MLB: I think the fifth-round pick is on the team. But by playing well against the Rams he can make sure he elbows aside fellow linebackers Audie Cole and Brandon Watts for one of the final spots.
