The Vikings beat the Chargers, 31-14, today at TCF Bank Stadium despite losing three starters, including cornerback Xavier Rhodes, to injuries.

Rhodes was injured on a touchdown play late in the second quarter when safety Andrew Sendejo whiffed on a tackle attempt on Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen and slammed into Rhodes, snapping the cornerback’s neck back. Rhodes remained on the turf, face down, for a couple of minutes before being helped up and into the locker room. He did not return.

“It was a scary part of the game,” cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said. “We know we play a dangerous game. … I pray for him and hopefully he’s fine. Hopefully he’ll be back out there when we start practicing again.”

After the game, coach Mike Zimmer confirmed that Rhodes had suffered a concussion. But he had not yet seen Rhodes and provided no further details.

Wide receiver Charles Johnson injured his ribs while attempting to catch a pass in the first quarter. He briefly returned to the game, but he continued to experience stiffness and was held out for the rest of the afternoon.

Sendejo injured his leg in the fourth quarter. He did not play well before the injury, but Zimmer said the injury is why Robert Blanton replaced Sendejo.

Reserve defensive end Justin Trattou exited the locker room on crutches after leaving the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.