Vikings vs. Cowboys live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

For the Cowboys, the immediate task on Saturday will be to figure out how to replace cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who was lost for the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in practice Tuesday. Morris Claiborne and Tyler Patmon should both get extended looks against the Vikings, because one of them will have big shoes to fill when the regular season starts.

The Scandrick injury also puts added emphasis on finding a pass rush. The Cowboys ranked 28th in the league in sacks last season, and with a new starter at corner, Dallas can’t afford to give quarterbacks that kind of time again. Randy Gregory will need to step up as a rookie, while Greg Hardy will help when he returns from his domestic violence suspension.

The Vikings, though, might be working on their running game too much to help Dallas figure out its cornerback situation. Adrian Peterson won’t play until the season opener, and Jerick McKinnon has only gained 30 yards on 19 carries in his absence. The biggest problem is that right tackle Phil Loadholt was a huge part of opening holes, and he’s out for the season with a torn Achilles. T.J. Clemmings has to be able to find a way to provide a big chunk of that production.

The other position to watch for Minnesota is who gets playing time at middle linebacker. Second-round pick Eric Kendricks started last week, but he’s still sharing first-team snaps with Gerald Hodges and Audie Cole in practice. Hodges gets the nod to start in the middle Saturday, with Kendricks coming out as the nickel linebacker, but the third preseason game is usually set up as the season’s dress rehearsal. So whoever gets the majority of snaps against the Cowboys should still be there on Sept. 14.

Online: NFL Game Pass

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