SEATTLE – Just as they did last year, the Vikings kept most of their established starters out of their preseason opener, resting starters such as quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, edge rusher Danielle Hunter and safety Harrison Smith on Thursday night in Seattle.
The Vikings went into the game planning to hold their starters out, preferring to rest players before two days of joint practices against the Titans this week. They put the entire roster through pregame warmups, because of new NFL regulations that prevent teams from allowing separate workouts for starters not expected to play in preseason games.