The Vikings Injury Report Is Huge
Dustin Baker
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As expected, the Minnesota Vikings have an uphill battle this week to achieve relative health for Sunday’s game versus the New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans is favored by 2.5 points to defeat Minnesota.
The Vikings Injury Report Is Huge
The Vikings stunningly chipped off the Atlanta Falcons on the road last weekend, 31-28, courtesy of a folkloric performance by new quarterback Josh Dobbs. The journeyman quarterback joined the Vikings via trade on Halloween and was thrust into action five days later.
The rocket scientist delivered, accounting for 3 touchdowns and a game-winning drive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
But the price was brutal. Wide receiver K.J. Osborn and quarterback Jaren Hall left the game with concussions. Tight end T.J. Hockenson was knocked around. And running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles, ending his season after joining the purple team in September.
Ergo, Vikings fans knew the injury report would be chunky for Week 10. Wednesday was merely a confirmation.
Here’s the damage after the week’s first practice:
- Brian Asamoah (LB) — Limited | Ankle
- Christian Darrisaw (OT) — Limited | Groin
- Jaren Hall (QB) — DNP | Concussion
- T.J. Hockenson (TE) — Limited | Ribs
- Justin Jefferson (WR) — Limited | Hamstring
- Dean Lowry (DT) — DNP | Groin
- Johnny Mundt (TE) — Limited | Knee
- Jalen Nailor (WR) — Full | Hamstring
- K.J. Osborn (WR) — DNP | Concussion
- Chris Reed (OG) — Full | Foot
The positives? Well, Darrisaw and Hockenson actually practiced, if only a bit. Had either or both men fired up the DNP acronym on Wednesday, little optimism would have existed about their Sunday fate. Limited should be considered a decent omen for the Saints showdown.
Jefferson, alas, is eligible to return from injured reserve after missing four games, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll see the field in Week 10. The Vikings coaching staff has preached caution in easing Jefferson back into action, meaning his appearance in Week 11 at the Denver Broncos feels more likely.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell sounded auspicious about Osborn’s possible return this weekend, but then again, O’Connell would sound optimistic aboard the Titanic. Optimism is his jam.
Regarding the Saints initial injury report, Locked on Saints‘ Ross Jackson tweeted Wednesday, “Among those not spotted at Saints practice on Wednesday during the open portion made available to media were Kendre Miller, Cory Littleton, Isaiah Foskey, Anfernee Orji, Ryan Ramczyk, and Jimmy Graham. Ty Summers and Adam Prentice were back out there.”
Both teams’ injury reports will become clearer in the next two days. The Vikings and Saints met last year in London, with Minnesota prevailing 28-25.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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