Vikings vs. Packers inactives: Who is out for Week 1?

Which members of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers won’t be suiting up for their NFC North showdown inside U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1?

Thanks to the decision not to play the majority of their top players in the preseason this summer, the Minnesota Vikings have a very healthy roster heading into their big Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers.

It was a different approach compared to what the Vikings used to do in the preseason when Mike Zimmer was their head coach. But new Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell clearly had no desire to risk the health of any of the team’s top players in a meaningless exhibition game.

Could the Vikings be a little rusty on Sunday because most of their starters haven’t played in a game since last season? Sure, but that’s a risk that O’Connell is willing to take.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers inactives for Week 1

Vikings Inactives:

• Lewis Cine – S
• Ty Chandler – RB
• Luiji Vilain – OLB
• Chris Reed – G/C
• Vederian Lowe – OT
• Esezi Otomewo – DL

Packers Inactives:

• Allen Lazard – WR
• David Bakhtiari – LT
• Elgton Jenkins – RT
• Shemar Jean-Charles – CB
• Tariq Carpenter – S
• Samori Toure – WR
• Jonathan Ford

No real surprises for the Vikings. Rookie safety Lewis Cine is dealing with a knee injury and Minnesota wants to make sure he doesn’t make it worse to jeopardize the rest of his season.

The Vikings’ pass rush should be ecstatic with David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins not playing for the Packers on Sunday. Now, Green Bay’s backup offensive tackles have to figure out how to prevent Minnesota linebackers Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith from getting to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Will these significant injuries to the Packers help the Vikings open up the 2022 season with a victory or will Green Bay be able to overcome the absence of their two starting tackles to get a win in Week 1?