Unexpected Twist Arrives on Vikings Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings left guard Donovan Jackson did not practice on Wednesday, and his head coach, Kevin O’Connell, painted a bleak picture about his Week 14 availability against the Washington Commanders. But that all changed on Thursday.
An unexpected twist hit the Vikings’ injury report as a key offensive lineman returned to practice after a Wednesday DNP, altering the week’s outlook.
Jackson surprisingly practiced three days before Vikings-Commanders, a signal he might give it a go this Sunday.
Vikings LG Donovan Jackson Practices after All
Minnesota could have its full offensive line.
Out of Nowhere, Jackson Sees the Field in Eagan
Jackson may be an option for Sunday, as it turns out.
Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling tweeted Thursday, “Donovan Jackson was back in a limited capacity for the Vikings on Thursday. Christian Darrisaw was out after a full practice on Wednesday, following his season-long pattern. Along with Jackson, Levi Drake Rodriguez is the one to watch on Friday. He was a DNP for the second straight day.”
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis added, “Donovan Jackson upgraded to limited today. Presents chance for him. Levi Drake Rodriguez has been DNP twice, might not have him Sunday.”
Jackson has missed three games due to injury as a rookie, so the team and its fans would hope he can return sooner rather than later, if only to avoid a pattern of injury.
A Change of Pace
As recently as Wednesday, Jackson trended not to play at all. O’Connell provided detailed injury updates four days before Week 14, pounding the table for Christian Darrisaw’s return, while making Jackson sound like an extreme longshot to the field against Washington.
Most went about their business, understanding that Jackson would miss another game. That would pave the way for Blake Brandel or Joe Huber to slide into the left guard spot, inside a somewhat meaningless game this weekend, because the Vikings have been 99% eliminated from postseason contention.
Alas, not so fast on Jackson.
Levi Drake Rodriguez Still in Doubt
On the other hand, Rodriguez, a promising defensive tackle, has a less promising trajectory for Week 14.
The second-year 7th-Rounder from the 2024 NFL Draft is not a starter, so his absence would not be as heavy as Jackson’s would be. However, Rodriguez has played quite well this season. He’s fired up back-to-back days of DNPs (did not practice), and in average injury report speak, he’ll need a mini-miracle to give it a while versus Washington.
Without Rodriguez, unsung undrafted rookie DT Elijah Williams could see more run than usual.
Trending Toward Questionable for Jackson
Based on the clues from practice, Jackson appears to be heading toward a Questionable status for Sunday. And that would entail a weekend waiting game, with onlookers waiting for tweets on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to determine his status.
The Vikings’ injury report featured 15 players on Wednesday, so a handful of Questionables won’t be all that surprising when the final document drops on Friday afternoon.
Zone Coverage on Jackson, the Future of the OL
Wyatt Wade at Zone Coverage this week sized up Jackson’s role in the 2026 offseason, along with Minnesota’s potential OL plan.
He opined, “While he hasn’t drafted well since taking over as Minnesota’s GM, it seems Kwesi hit gold with Jackson. Is there a chance he can do it again? While other needs, like defensive backs, will be more vital, the smart play is to find a reliable plug-and-play guy.”
“If they don’t, this line might become a sieve again. They may look at guys like Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Gennings Dunker (Iowa), or Connor Lew (Auburn) during the draft/combine process. Maybe another youngster can do what Jackson has almost paved the way for when it comes to young offensive line talent.”
The Vikings’ offensive line ranks fifth-worst in the NFL per pressure rate allowed after 13 weeks.
Wade added, “If the team doesn’t feel it has any linemen ready to start after free agency or in the draft, it may need to consider in-house options. There are guys with experience on the Vikings’ bench who do have contracts that go beyond 2026: Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, and Joe Huber. While the QB position is the most important in the game, it is up to the guys in the trenches to keep him upright and away from hard hits and negative plays.”
“The Vikings must find a way to secure a decent offensive line. Otherwise, it could hurt McCarthy’s future development. The front office has always wanted to handle him with clean hands. They can’t do that if they don’t have a viable offensive line next year.”
With or without Jackson, Minnesota is expected to drop Washington by a point and a half, according to oddsmakers.
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