Got tickets to the regular season finale at U.S. Bank Stadium between the Vikings and Bears? If so, you’re essentially paying full price for what is likely to resemble a preseason game.
According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin and Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Vikings are planning to rest key players since the game will have no impact on Minnesota’s playoff position.
Graff says quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and linebacker Eric Kendricks, who is dealing with an injury, will not play. Cronin also says the plan is for Cousins to sit out, along with the “bulk” of the starters.
While I’m told the Vikings haven’t finalized their plan for Sunday, they’re leaning heavily towards resting a bulk of their starters, including Kirk Cousins, per league source. Team viewing Chicago week as a bye in terms of getting guys rest/healthy for Jan.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 27, 2019
Win or lose, the Vikings are locked in as the No. 6 in the playoffs. Their opponent for wild-card weekend will be determined by the results of the Packers-Lions, Saints-Panthers, and 49ers-Seahawks games. Read more about those scenarios here.
If Cousins doesn’t play, backup Sean Mannion would start at quarterback.
The Bears are also playing for nothing as they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention.
