Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings came back from London on the heels of a victory against the New York Jets. Despite going overseas and improving to 5-0, they could not be more beat up coming out of the bye. Playing against the Detroit Lions shorthanded seems like the fate they will have to accept.
Early this year, Kevin O’Connell was without Jordan Addison on offense but worked through making things click. On Sunday, it seems he will be without Aaron Jones, and despite returning to practice, neither T.J. Hockenson nor Dalton Risner shouldn’t be expected either. Hockenson could probably go if the turnaround wasn’t going to require a short week, but Risner has only a couple of practices under his belt.
It would be great to see Hockenson come out of the tunnel at U.S. Bank Stadium against the team that traded him. This matchup with the Lions is pivotal, given the NFC North implications. It’s understandable that Minnesota would want to play the long game, though, and that means keeping him fresh for the remaining 11 games.
Jones being back at practice is a positive sign, but the acquisition of Cam Akers doesn’t bode well for his immediate availability. Ty Chandler struggled in London, so getting Akers back is necessary anyway. That doesn’t mean that the writing isn’t already on the wall for Jones regarding his availability this weekend.
On the defensive side of the ball, losing Blake Cashman hurts. He’s dealing with turf toe and has been the quarterback of the defense to this point, as he has worn the green dot. Ivan Pace Jr. had those responsibilities for Brian Flores’ defense last year and will presumably take them over again on Sunday.
Ultimately, it’s a good thing that the Vikings have a strong internal depth. That reality is fostered by the ability to utilize additional salary cap space opened by watching Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter walk. Still, depth is there as a luxury and not always intended to operate on the frontlines.
Minnesota shouldn’t be counted out against Detroit, but this has to be about as banged up as they have been all season. That’s disappointing coming out of a week off.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.