In Week 1, the were without their starting quarterback, , who was lost for the season after prior to the start of the season in a non-contact drill. Then, in Week 2, when they lost running back , arguably the centerpiece of their team and the leading rusher in franchise history, to a torn meniscus. Minnesota managed to win both games, the latter being a huge 17-14 win over NFC North rival Green Bay. On Sunday, Alex King Jersey the Vikings -- sans their starting quarterback and running back -- travel to Charlotte to face the defending conference champions in Carolina. To say the first three games of the season have been (and will be) a challenge for the Vikings would more than qualify as an understatement. "Obviously, it's hard to replace a player like Adrian," new starting quarterback to the A sociated Pre s. "It's just kind of next man up. I haven't been here long, but I think we have great running backs and the guys behind him are eager for the opportunity." is expected to Tyree Appleby Jersey get the start at running back for the Vikings. The , meanwhile, looked more like the 2015 Panthers last week when they dismantled the 46-27 at home. How dominant was Carolina? Quarterback threw for 353 yards and four touchdowns, and the Panthers racked up 529 yards on offense (despite turning the ball over four times). It was a nice bounce-back game for the Panthers (1-1), who fell 21-20 to the in a Super Bowl rematch in Week 1. Oddly enough, Carolina is also turning to a new starting running back, so the Panthers and Vikings are even that sense. is out Beau Bisharat Jersey for a few weeks because of a sore hamstring. is expected to get the bulk of the carries, while will get touches along with short-yardage back . Also noteworthy here is the situation off the field in Charlotte, which has been rocked by protests after a civilian was shot and killed by a police officer. The protests Ezekiel Turner Jersey have been violent in nature, with substantial damage done to buildings and busine ses in downtown Charlotte. As our , the and the NFL are planning to play Sunday's game as scheduled, but are monitoring the situation.How to Watch What: Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m. ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. TV: FOX Online: Odds: The Panthers are currently a -7 favorite .Injury report Vikings DT -- Out TE -- Questionable CB -- Questionable DB -- Questionable DL -- Questionable DB -- Questionable QB -- Out Panthers LB -- Doubtful DT -- Questionable RB Jonathan Stewart Brian Halums Jersey -- Out G -- Questionable DB -- Questionable DL -- Questionable DB -- OutPrisco's Pick This is a tough turnaround for the Vikings after big division win Sunday night against the . Now they will be without against the NFC champs. The big battle here is that Carolina offense against the Minnesota defense. I think gets the better of the defense. Pick: Panthers 24, Vikings 14