Vikings lead Texans 14-0 at U.S. Bank Stadium

There are two games in the NFL this weekend featuring a pair of 2-0 teams, including this one between the Vikings and Texans, who didn’t attract much preseason attention but have thrived with strong defenses. The Vikings, third in the NFL in points allowed through two games, will try to shut down an impressive Houston offense led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud; they’ll look to protect Sam Darnold against a pass rush led by former Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. Which team will come out of it 3-0?

It’s only September, but the Vikings and Texans aren’t exactly at full strength for Sunday’s game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Minnesota will be without three notable players because of injuries: receiver Jordan Addison, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and edge rusher Dallas Turner. All three were ruled out on Friday after various levels of practice during the week.

Receiver Jalen Nailor, who had three grabs for 54 yards and a touchdown last week against the 49ers, draws another start. The Vikings could replace Pace, the starting inside linebacker, in multiple ways. Veteran Kamu Grugier-Hill could see first- and second-down work, while safety Josh Metellus is among the players trained to also align inside linebacker on passing downs.

Edge rusher Patrick Jones II, who has four sacks in two games, already has a sizeable role off the bench and could see more work with Turner, the first-round rookie, sidelined. The Vikings elevated edge rusher Bo Richter, the undrafted rookie out of Air Force, and tight end Robert Tonyan from the practice squad for the game.