Vikings Vs. Chargers Preview And Where To Watch: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio

The Vikings’ preseason continues Friday night at Metrodome against the San Diego Chargers. Despite initial indications to the contrary, Adrian Peterson will not play for Minnesota, though he will reportedly be in uniform for pre-game warmups. Cornerback Chris Cook will also miss the game after failing concussion tests. Chris Carr gets the start for Cook, with Josh Robinson coming in on nickel. Earlier this week the Vikings were mulling starting Jamarca Sanford in place of Mistral Raymond. The Chargers will be without starters Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates, with Charlie Whitehurst getting the start in place of Rivers.

The Vikings plan to play Devin Aromashodu with the first team as they prepare for life without Jerome Simpson, who will miss the first three games with suspension. Aromashodu may still be battling Manny Arceneaux for a roster spot. Another guy possibly fighting for his job is middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who improved in game 2 but apparently not enough. If Brinkley’s performance doesn’t ratchet up another notch, the Vikings may be forced to scour the waiver wires for a solution at middle linebacker.

Offensively, the Vikings seek to build on two straight solid-if-unspectacular performances. Christian Ponder has looked assured in two preseason games, playing behind an improved offensive line. The defense took strides in preseason game 2 after a dismal performance in game 1 and hopes to solidify itself even more against San Diego. They will have to do so without starting nose tackle Letroy Guion who is still fighting back from a PCL injury. The weakside linebacker position remains a concern, with Erin Henderson and Marvin Mitchell still apparently duking it out for the starting job. Rookie Harrison Smith flashed his talents last week and hopes to do it again in front of the home fans Friday night. The starters figure to see action well into the second quarter if not all the way to the half.

Kick-off is 7 PM CT

Vikings vs. Chargers will be available on NFL Preseason Live outside the local markets.

The game will be televised locally on KARE-11. Once again the broadcast team will be Paul Allen and Pete Bercich via KFAN simulcast. Fox Sports North will replay the game Saturday, Aug 25 at 10 PM CT.

The game will be broadcast on radio on KFAN 100.3 and across the Vikings radio network. Full list.

The game will be broadcast on Sirius satellite radio channel 113.

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