After Saturday night, the next time the Vikings' starters take the field at U.S. Bank Stadium will be on Sept. 26, in a nationally-televised home opener against a team and a quarterback they haven't beaten in eight tries.
The NFL's shortened preseason might deliver players to the start of the regular season in better health, but it does give them less time to get sharp before Week 1. The Vikings' second preseason game on Saturday night, in fact, might be the only time many of their starters take the field before September, when the regular season begins with two road games and a Week 3 matchup with the Seahawks and Russell Wilson.