St. Louis Rams - QB Rotation: Marc Bulger, Gus Frerotte, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brock Berlin.
Linebackers thin.
The Rams plan to use more two-tight end sets this season.
WR/returner Dante Hall is nursing a sore hamstring. Linehan said Hall's availability for the preseason opener in Minnesota would be a "game-time decision." Meaning second-year man Marques Hagans and seventh-round draft pick Derek Stanley should get the bulk of the work on kickoff and punt returns.
They have a revamped defensive front with Leonard Little at left end; former Detroit Lion James Hall at right end; La'Roi Glover and rookie Adam Carriker at tackle.
Minnesota Vikings - QB Rotation: Tarvaris Jackson (8-15 plays), Brooks Bollinger (2nd Q+), Tyrus Thigpen, Drew Henson (mop up).
HC Brad Childress said he is not inclined to play QB Tarvaris Jackson longer than the typical eight to 15 plays Friday against the Rams. "You don't want any bad habits from him playing behind the third offensive line and getting happy feet," Childress said. "I would rather see him establish a rhythm with the guys that he is going to play with on the football field."
Tarvaris Jackson has worked almost exclusively with the first-team offense, while Brooks Bollinger has been getting snaps with the second unit.
QB Tavaris Jackson's downfield accuracy has been lacking as he learns the offense, and most of his best throws have been dropped.
Running backs thin: Rookie Adrian Peterson suffered a hip pointer last week, RB Chester Taylor (minor bruise) had his right arm wrapped and RB Wendell Mathis (muscle strain) has missed practice this week.
The Vikings have a new defensive coordinator in Leslie Frazier. |