Vikings cornerbacks Cedric Griffin and Chris Cook will be making their season debuts vs. the Detroit Lions Sunday as both are active.

Judging by their final injury report of the week, the Vikings appear poised to face the Saints in Thursday night’s Kickoff Weekend shorthanded in the defensive backfield.

Chris Cook impressed during preseason, to the point he was considered the favorite to start opposite Antoine Winfield. Now, he’s out at least two weeks with a knee injury that leaves the Vikings’ secondary thin.

Another rookie who has landed a starting spot — at least for this week — is Vikings CB Chris Cook.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates should be fine after seeing a foot specialist in North Carolina earlier in the week.

Vikings CB Cedric Griffin had some good news Friday, telling the Minneapolis Star Tribune that surgery to fix the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee “went pretty well.”

Vikings CB Cedric Griffin had to be helped off the field following Pierre Thomas‘ opening kick return in overtime. Griffin limped off the field with the help of a couple teammates and was replaced by veteran Benny Sapp.

Vikings G Steve Hutchinson returned to practice today, albeit in limited fashion, and is listed as questionable to play Monday night against the Packers. Hutchinson is dealing with a back problem, but he hasn’t missed a game this season.

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier cites the improvement of Cedric Griffin as the reason the Vikings will have two of the top corners in the NFL heading into the season.