Vikings Final Injury Report Takes Unexpected Turn
The Minnesota Vikings released a final injury report for Week 1 on Saturday, a document creating a mishmash of emotions.
The Vikings’ final injury report for Week 1 took an unexpected turn, with details emerging that alter the lineup at Soldier Field on Monday.
Kevin O’Connell’s team plays the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, and two major players dominated the injury report fallout.
Here’s the skinny.
Vikings Final Injury Report Drops a Surprise Twist
Minnesota will likely be without Harrison Smith, and Christian Darrisaw’s status is up in the air.
Harrison Smith Doubtful for MNF at Bears
Smith fetched the ‘doubtful’ status on the last injury report of the week. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Vikings seem likely to be without Harrison Smith on Monday in Chicago.”
Sans Smith, Minnesota would lean heavily on recently promoted safety Theo Jackson and perhaps rely on third-year defensive back Jay Ward more than usual. Smith hasn’t practiced since August 11th — coming up on a month ago — and is battling a personal health matter.
Vikings.com listed Smith’s ailment as an “illness.” Sources have told Vikings Territory that the 36-year-old is battling a hernia. One source actually expected Smith to play on Monday, maintaining so throughout the week. Perhaps the Vikings’ training and coaching staff are operating under an abundance of caution.
The Viking Age‘s Antony Miller noted on Smith’s injury situation: “What a tough break for the Vikings’ defense as they won’t have one of their veteran leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Many believe that the man entering his 14th NFL season might be playing his final season in the league.”
“Without Smith, the Vikings will turn to Theo Jackson to fill in for him. While Jackson is more than capable of getting the job done for one game, Smith is the quarterback of the secondary, and there could be a void that needs to be filled in place of his leadership.”
Smith has never missed a Week 1 game.
“The challenge for the Vikings is going up against a Bears offense that has added pieces to their passing arsenal that will make it tough to cover them. With the additions of Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III in the secondary, Josh Metellus might be called up more in the game,” Miller continued.
“Minnesota has seen Metellus improve and grow throughout the years as the eventual replacement for Smith. Metellus has all the abilities in pass coverage and stepping up to stop the run. He’s had back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons in Minnesota, which helped him earn a new contract extension back in July.”
Christian Darrisaw Questionable
Darrisaw’s injury, on the other hand, isn’t mysterious. He’s recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last October in a loss at the Los Angeles Rams. The phenom left tackle actually participated fully in practice on Friday, which typically hints at game readiness.
But when the formal injury report arrived, Darrisaw earned the ‘questionable’ designation.
O’Connell said about Darrisaw, “If it’s not this week, I know he’s getting really, really close.”
Our Janik Eckardt wrote Friday, “The Vikings need that ‘same level’ from their franchise left tackle, who’s asked to protect new quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s blindside, while also helping in the running game. The difference from with to without him was visible last year, and having the standout blocker active would be a major boost to Minnesota’s offense. If Darrisaw can log another full practice on Saturday, he’d seem likely to be available on Monday.”
“Chicago, meanwhile, might be without two key starters on the defense. Star corner Jaylon Johnson, who would get the Justin Jefferson assignment, has been dealing with a groin injury and was limited on Thursday and Friday. Linebacker T.J. Edwards has a hamstring injury and missed both practices, indicating that he’s unlikely to play in Monday’s contest. Both players are key defenders for Chicago, and an absence would be a major blow.”
Out: RB3 Zavier Scott, DT Elijah Williams
Zavier Scott turned heads in July and August at training camp and in the preseason. The WR-turned-RB earned a roster spot after living on the practice squad all last season. He hasn’t practiced all week with an ankle injury and was officially ruled out on Saturday.
Ty Chandler will remain in the RB3 role with Scott out of the lineup.
Speaking of sweet training camps and preseasons, DT Elijah Williams authored one of those, too, in the last five weeks. But a hamstring will keep him from his NFL debut. Thankfully, Minnesota has plenty of defensive tackle depth to balance Williams’ absence.
The Rest = Good to Go
Other players with shaky injury statuses as recently as last week included wide receiver Justin Jefferson, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor. When the rubber hit the road this week, though, none carried an injury designation.
Outside of heavy hitters like Smith and Darrisaw, Minnesota escaped the summer healthy.
The Vikings are 2-7 (.222) in Week 1 divisional games on the road in the last 50 years.
You must be logged in to post a comment.