Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings close the preseason schedule tonight when they play at Houston against the Texans at 6pm, pregame on WJON at 5:00. The Vikings will sit many of their starters including quarterback Christian Ponder. Joe Webb will get the start at quarterback followed by Sage Rosenfels and McLeod Bethel-Thompson. The Vikings will also get a long look at receivers Manny Arceneaux, Devin Aromashodu, Stephen Burton, and Jarius Wright.

Viking running back Adrian Peterson was allowed to have upper-body contact in practice in full pads Monday. It was the first contact Peterson was allowed to have since tearing his ACL and MCL in his left knee in December. The Vikings didn't allow for Peterson to be tackled to the ground but this is another sign of progress in his recovery.

The Vikings have welcomed tight end John Carlson back to practice Sunday after missing 3 preseason games and numerous practices with a knee sprain. Carlson is a Litchfield native that was considered the highest profile free agent signing the Vikings had in the offseason. Carlson is expected to backup starter Kyle Rudolph. Carlson is expected to play at Houston in their final preseason game Thursday night at 6pm, pregame on WJON at 5:00.

The Vikings lost 12-10 in their 3rd preseason game to the San Diego Chargers Friday night. The Chargers sat 18 players including starting quarterback Philip Rivers and top tight end Antonio Gates. San Diego made 4 field goals including Nick Novak's 45-yard game-winner as time expired to win the game.

The Vikings host the San Diego Chargers in what's considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season. The starters are expected to play into the 3rd quarter including quarterback Christian Ponder. Head coach Leslie Frazier says he'll limit the touches for running back Toby Gerhart because he'll be needed when the regular season starts against Jacksonville.

The Vikings may have to play without nose tackle Letroy Guion Friday night in their 3rd and most important preseason game. Guion aggravated his right knee injury in practice on Tuesday and was seen with his knee wrapped in a while compression sleeve on Wednesday at practice. Guion was signed to a contract extension in the offseason and the team hoped he would demand a double team and allow for the Vikings to improve their defense against the run.

Viking running back Adrian Peterson talked about missing the remaining 2 preseason games at practice Tuesday. He says he understands the reasons for it and knows he needs to be patient with his recovery. Viking head coach Leslie Frazier officially announced the decision Tuesday that Peterson will not play in the remaining 2 preseason games despite the progress he has made in his recovery.

The Vikings will play their final 2 preseason games without running back Adrian Peterson according to multiple reports. Peterson is practicing with the team and was taken off the physically unable to perform list August 12. He is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Peterson could still play in the Vikings regular season opener September 9 against Jacksonville.

The Vikings routed the Buffalo Bills 36-14 Friday night at Mall of America Field. Christian Ponder was 10-13 passing for 136 yards and 1 touchdown with no interceptions. His one touchdown pass was to Jerome Felton from 1-yard out. Emanuel Arceneaux had 2 catches for 50 yards and Jerome Simpson had 3 catches for 43 yards for Minnesota. Rookie Audie Cole had 2 interception return touchdowns in the 2nd half.

The Vikings will host Buffalo tonight in their 2nd preseason game at 7pm, pregame on AM 1390-the Fan at 5:00. The Vikings are expected to play their starters into the 2nd quarter including Percy Harvin, Jared Allen, Antoine Winfield and Kevin Williams. None of the before mentioned players played at San Francisco last Friday. The Vikings lost to the 49ers 17-6 on August 10.