The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are set to face off in the first Monday Night Football game of the season. However, despite it being Week 1, both teams will be without key starters.
For the Vikings, Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith highlight the inactive list. Justin Skule will replace Darrisaw at left tackle. Theo Jackson will replace Smith, with third-year safety Jay Ward likely to play a larger role as well.
The other inactive Vikings are QB Max Brosmer, RB Zavier Scott, G Joe Huber, and DL Elijah Williams.
For the Bears, starting cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are out. Starting linebacker T.J. Edwards is also going to miss the game.
The other inactives for Chicago are QB Case Keenum, DL Shemar Turner, RB Roschon Johnson, and OL Kiran Amegadjie.
There was optimism that Darrisaw could play, but perhaps the questionable playing surface at Soldier Field made the coaching staff think twice. Kickoff is set for 7:15 PM CST.