Vikings Injury Report Is Longer Than a Midwest Goodbye
The Minnesota Vikings host the Washington Commanders on Sunday, a game that felt like a possible joust between two playoff hopefuls — once upon a time. But with both teams close to mathematical playoff elimination, the contest doesn’t feature the same zest.
The Vikings’ injury report is longer than a Midwest goodbye, with a crowded list that raises real questions about depth and readiness this week.
Along the way, the Vikings announced 15 players on the first Week 14 injury report, the largest of the season.
15 Players on Vikings Initial Injury Report
Sounds about right.
The DNPs
To start Week 14, the following players did not practice on Wednesday:
- Donovan Jackson (Ankle, LG)
- Levi Drake Rodriguez (Neck, DT)
Vikings.com’s Craig Peters noted, “Prior to the practice, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell told Twin Cities media members J.J. McCarthy was completing his return from concussion protocol and is on track to start. O’Connell said Christian Darrisaw, who missed Week 13 at Seattle, will resume the plan in place for him. The team is scheduled to practice Thursday and Friday. Game status designations are to be announced by the teams on Friday.”
Jackson, a rookie, was basically ruled out by head coach Kevin O’Connell, slating him to miss Sunday’s tryst with the Commanders. Blake Brandel will likely play in Jackson’s place unless Brandel is needed at center, in which case undrafted rookie Joe Huber would get the nod. Brandel, too, is on the injury report, so there’s ample offensive line mystery just three days before showtime.
Drake Rodrgiuez, a second-year interior defensive lineman, is more mysterious. Most didn’t know about an injury. His status will become clearer throughout the week’s remainder.
The Limiteds
And these are the men who practiced in a limited capacity, so to speak:
- Jonathan Allen (Rest, DT)
- Blake Brandel (Concussion, OL)
- Ty Chandler (Knee, RB)
- Jonathan Greenard (Shoulder, OLB)
- Javon Hargrave (Rest, DT)
- Aaron Jones (Shoulder, RB)
- Ryan Kelly (Hip, C)
- Josh Metellus (Shoulder, S)
- Jalen Redmond (Hip, DT)
- Harrison Smith (Rest, S)
Brandel has healed rather quickly from a “minor” concussion at Seattle, trending in the right direction for Week 14, probably at left guard.
Greenard is the big-ticket item on defense for the week. He’s missed time with the shoulder injury, and when he returned last weekend, Dallas Turner outsnapped Turner and posted a monster game to show for it.
Jones continues his injury-riddled trek through 2025, along with Kelly, who’s battled multiple ailments. And Metellus + Redmond are noteworthy as starters who didn’t practice fully to start Commanders week.
The Good-to-Gos
Now, the good news.
Barring a setback in the next few days, the men will play on Sunday:
- Theo Jackson (Neck, S)
- Christian Darrisaw (Knee, LT)
- J.J. McCarthy (Concussion, QB)
All practiced fully, an indicator that game-readiness is on the menu.
The Commanders’ Summary
Minnesota was not alone with the lengthy injury report.
The following Commanders players either practiced in a limited fashion or did not participate at all on Wednesday:
- Zach Ertz (TE)
- Drake Jackson (DE)
- Javon Kinlaw (DT)
- Von Miller (OLB)
- Laremy Tunsil (OT)
- Bobby Wagner (LB)
- Jayden Daniels (QB)
- Frankie Luvu (LB)
Daniels will draw all eyeballs on Thursday and Friday. He’s nearing a return, but it remains unclear if Washington will “rush him back” with so little to play for at 3-9.
Wagner did not practice on Wednesday, and that’s a big deal, as the veteran is the heart and soul of Washington’s defense.
More Injury Report Perspective
SI.com’s Will Ragatz remarked on Wednesday’s injury dealings, “The Vikings have some other injury big injury questions to follow on the offensive side of the ball. One pertains to running back Aaron Jones (shoulder), who was limited on Wednesday. He’s believed to be day-to-day.”
“Jordan Mason would be the Vikings’ featured back if Jones can’t go. Blake Brandel is Jackson’s backup at left guard. But Brandel, who entered the concussion protocol this week, was limited on Wednesday. Rookie Joe Huber is likely the third-string option. There are quite a few other names on the injury report for the Vikings as well. Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez (neck) is the only other DNP.”
In a weird twist of fate, one that was not expected when the schedule was announced in May, the winner of Vikings-Commanders will hurt its 2026 draft position, with both teams’ seasons in ruins.
“Also limited due to injury, in addition to Jones and Brandel, were Ty Chandler (knee), Jonathan Greenard (shoulder), Theo Jackson (neck), Ryan Kelly (hip), Josh Metellus (shoulder), and Jalen Redmond (hip). Chandler, who has been on IR since Week 1, just had his practice window opened. Greenard returned from a two-week absence to play in Seattle,” Ragatz added.
“Kelly left the Seahawks game with a hip flexor issue but could play this week. Metellus and Redmond played in that game, but Theo Jackson did not.”
Sportsbooks believe Minnesota will win by two or three points.
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