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.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has called the battle for starting spots along the 3-4 defensive line an “open competition,” fueling the idea that one of the team’s recent top five picks at defensive end — Glenn Dorsey or Tyson Jackson — could be sent to the bench.

Lovie Smith said that he is thrilled with the free agent class brought in, but that the Bears continue to evaluate players and could well be active in acquiring help for the secondary.

The Jets released veteran CB Lito Sheppard on Thursday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Just because the Jets have arguably the best cornerback in the game right now, Darrelle Revis, does not mean that the team is necessarily content to stand pat in the defensive backfield.

The Jets made Dwight Lowery a starting cornerback and turned Lito Sheppard into a backup for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, but one thing remained the same: They still couldn’t stop Austin Collie.

The Colts’ second possession in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game quickly turned into the Pierre Garcon Show.

Jets coach Rex Ryan chatted with NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi upon arrival at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday and said his team will bring the defensive “combo platter” in the AFC Championship Game.

Jets CB Dwight Lowery will start in place of Lito Sheppard in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Colts, NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi has confirmed through a source.

Bills go ahead, 3-0, on the first drive of the game.

Jets LB Vernon Gholston is out for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.

Jets CB Lito Sheppard and WR Brad Smith will not be active against the Dolphins. Sheppard and Smith are both battling quadriceps injuries.

NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora reports that Jets WRs Jerricho Cotchery and David Clowney, along with DE Shaun Ellis and LB Bart Scott, are expected to play against the Dolphins on Sunday. CB Lito Sheppard remains very doubtful.