Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings tight Josh Oliver has emerged as a keynote contributor during the team’s last three games — and that streak will likely end this weekend.
Oliver has not practiced this week as the Vikings travel to Soldier Field for a date with the Chicago Bears, a clear indicator that he’ll miss the NFC North matchup.
Oliver is batting a sprained ankle while the injury report also notes a wrist malady. Unless he practices Friday — that feels like a longshot — Minnesota will be without the veteran’s services on Sunday.
Without Oliver, Minnesota would lean on these tight ends:
Star Tribune‘s Emily Leiker tweeted Thursday, “Vikings TE Josh Oliver still not practicing due to an ankle injury. Will have to see if he goes tomorrow and can be available Sunday.”
SI.com’s Will Ragatz mentioned Oliver’s status this week, “Oliver is at risk of missing this Sunday’s game, although the ankle injury he suffered in Tennessee isn’t believed to be a serious, multi-week issue. It would be a big loss for the Vikings if he can’t play, as he’s been excellent this season. Oliver has out-snapped T.J. Hockenson in each of the three games since Hockenson returned to action.”
Oliver has logged 144 receiving yards on 12 catches in the last 3 games, an impressive mark because he basically arrived out of nowhere as a temporary offensive staple. It felt like his counterpart, Hockenson, healed from injury and that served as a green light for both men to shine on Sundays.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was limited in on practice on Wednesday but will be a full go for Week 12 in Chicago. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Vikings QB Sam Darnold, who was limited at practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, was listed as a full participant today and is tracking to play Sunday against the Bears.”
Minnesota has an 8-2 record through 11 weeks and 94.8% playoff odds, according to DVOA. The franchise has not lost a game at Soldier Field in five years, rattling four somewhat sloppy wins in a row at the venue. Sunday’s game will mark the Vikings’ first showdown with Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Vikings are favored to win by 3.5 points. Johnny Mundt will be on tap for more passing game targets if Oliver is ruled out.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.