EAGAN, Minn. — Dakota Dozier was fired up inside the Vikings locker room Friday afternoon.

And not just because he'll likely be in line to start Sunday at right guard against the Bears for Josh Kline, who has been ruled out with a concussion.

Dozier is also looking forward to the challenge of facing a stout Bears defense at Soldier Field.

"Definitely excited; I'm looking forward to it," Dozier said. "Since coming here and joining here, I've loved it. I feel like the NFC North is a fantastic division, and anytime you get to play one of these teams, I really look forward to the opportunity.

"We're going to go out there … we have our plan, and we're ready to execute it," Dozier said. "If it comes down to one of those low-scoring games, we're ready to grind it out.

"Fourth quarter, overtime, whatever it takes," Dozier added. "We're going to grind until we get it done."

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said he has no qualms about Dozier getting the start at right guard.

"Dakota's done a nice job. He's a smart guy," Zimmer said. "He's tough, battler like the rest of our guys, so we expect him to go in and play good."

Dozier is expected to make his second start of the season Sunday. He also started in place of left guard Pat Elflein in Week 2 against the Packers.

"Anytime you get a start, it gives you some good experience," Dozier said. "Going into Lambeau, that's one of those historic fields, and you can say Soldier Field is as well … definitely glad to get that experience."

Any major difference between starting on the left or right side?

"It's opposite," Dozier said with a smile. "Just have to flip everything over and I'll be good to go."

Dozier joined the Vikings this offseason after spending 2018 with the Jets. He said this summer that he jumped at the chance to play for Rick Dennison, Minnesota's offensive line coach/run game coordinator who also was in New York last season.

Kline, who is in his first season in Minnesota, has started 49 straight games. He did not practice all week.

Besides Kline, linebacker Kentrell Brothers has also been ruled out. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander is questionable with an elbow injury.

Alexander, who was injured in a Week 1 win against Atlanta, was limited in Wednesday's practice but was a full participant Thursday and Friday.

"I'm confident. We'll see," Alexander said. "I want to play."