Vikings vs. 49ers: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The San Francisco 49ers had plenty of success under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2011. They won the NFC West with a 13-3 record and took the New York Giants to overtime in the NFC Championship game. San Francisco will try to have even more success in Harbaugh's second season and it all begins Thursday when they open preseason play against the Minnesota Vikings.

Alex Smith is back at the helm for the 49ers and with him return Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Thursday's game will also mark the debut of Randy Moss as a 49er. Moss signed a one-year deal with San Francisco this offseason.

Minnesota enters the game without star running back Adrian Peterson, who is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered last season. Second-year quarterback Christian Ponder begins the season as the starter after starting 10 games last season. Ponder will have his leading receiver from a year ago with him, as Percy Harvin returns after a brief contract squabble this offseason.

Game Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 10; 9:00 p.m. ET

Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Calif.

TV Schedule: WUCW 23 (Minneapolis), KPIX 5 ( San Francisco)

Radio Schedule: Sirius XM channel 92

For more on the 49ers, visit Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area. For more on the Vikings, check out Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.