Vikings Defense Set to Receive Major Boost
Injuries have been a major story of the 2025 Minnesota Vikings season so far, but there seems to be good news on the horizon, particularly for the Vikings’ defense.
VikingsTerritory looks at how the Vikings defense will receive a huge boost this week with the possible return of a key player.
Speaking to the media early this week, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stated that several players would return to the practice field in the build-up to the Week 7 home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings Defense Is “Getting There” per Injury Recoveries
Good news for a team that has been ravaged by injury across the opening weeks of the season. The returnees would include QB JJ McCarthy, and three offensive linemen — Donovan Jackson, Michael Jurgens, and Brian O’Neill. A timely boost for a Vikings offense that is still striving to find its groove.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota opened Blake Cashman’s 21-day practice window as the linebacker returns from injured reserve. Cashman’s return from a hamstring injury suffered in the season opener against the Chicago Bears will be a huge boost for the Vikings’ defense.
Brian Flores’ unit hasn’t suffered as many injuries as the offense, whose number of injuries to important players throughout the season is almost at double figures. The defense has, however, been without two of its most important players for most of this season: Cashman and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Cashman and Van Ginkel aren’t just good players but key to how Flores’ defense operates. Van Ginkel’s ability to do everything is a key component in how the defense disguises and confuses opposing quarterbacks.
Cashman is the chief communicator who takes on the green dot duties as well as patrolling the middle of the field with aplomb. Minnesota’s defense has been very good against the pass this season, but it would improve further with these two back on the team. The Achilles heel of the Vikings’ defense has been defending the run.
A return of Cashman in the middle would immediately strengthen that area, as would Van Ginkel on the edge, but the OLB is only set to return to train on the side field as he bids to return from a neck injury.
Cashman Feeling More Like Himself
Speaking to the media while on the practice field, Cashman said he was feeling like himself again. Great news for the Vikings’ defense. The humble Minnesota native praised the job his teammates have done in his absence, but noted his frustration that when there were struggles, such as the run defense, he was stuck on the sidelines, unable to help.
He highlighted his value by telling reporters that he stayed engaged with the game plan and tried to offer players tips to improve their play, essentially taking on a coaching role, something he does on the field and has been sorely missed.
There has been no specific timeline for Cashman’s return, but Minnesota wouldn’t have opened the 21-day practice window if he weren’t close.
Little snippets are coming out that Cashman could be back in the lineup this week, including from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenith, who tweeted, “Vikings standout linebacker Blake Cashman is currently expected to be able to return to action and play this week vs. the Eagles after missing the last four games due to a hamstring injury, sources tell CBS Sports.” Cashman also put out a social media post suggesting his return was imminent.
Eric Wilson (green dot duties) and Ivan Pace have done a good job holding the fort during Cashman’s absence. Last year, Cashman missed games due to injury, and his absence precisely aligned with a two-game losing streak in a season when only three games were lost.
This time, the Vikings traded wins and losses over the course of four games. Cashman is the heart and soul of the defense, and his return will undoubtedly be a considerable boost.
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