MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Vikings have several key decisions to make heading into the final preseason game of the year. They need to identify the top backup to Donovan McNabb and pick a starting strong safety before they open the regular season at San Diego on Sept. 11.

Rookie Christian Ponder will start at quarterback and likely play the entire first half against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. Joe Webb will play the second half as the two duke it out to be McNabb’s backup.

Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson will be making their final pushes for the safety job.

The Houston Texans seem to have most of their key areas set, so coach Gary Kubiak is just hoping to avoid yet another injury in the preseason.

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