Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen will make his preseason debut during Saturday afternoon’s “dress rehearsal” against the Cardinals.
Stephen was not among the eight Vikings players officially listed as not expected to play. As some NFL coaches decide to rest starters in the preseason regardless of tradition, head coach Mike Zimmer appears to be taking a traditional route. Only the injured were listed as not expected to play.
Nose tackle Linval Joseph (shoulder), right tackle Brian O’Neill (arm), tackle Aviante Collins (leg), receiver Jeff Badet (undisclosed) and defensive end Ade Aruna (undisclosed) will not play. Neither will two players on PUP — cornerback Mike Hughes (knee) and tight end David Morgan — and defensive end Tashawn Bower (Achilles), who remains on the non-football injury list.