Final Vikings Injury Report: O-Line Good News, Uncertainty Among Defensive Backs
K. Joudry
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We’ve received some good news throughout the week regarding the roster’s health, especially up front. The final Vikings injury report brings along some more good news but also some concern. While the offensive line looks to be getting healthier, the DB depth has some uncertainty.
The Final Vikings Injury Report
There has been quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding the status of Garrett Bradbury. The C1 has experienced a resurgence that few saw coming (myself included). He has been rock-solid in 2022, partnering his usually strong run blocking with some much improved pass pro. Getting him back will give the offense a boost.
Chris Reed will go back to a depth role. If he’s needed to jump in, Reed can provide some quality snaps. There was also some mention during Kevin O’Connell’s recent press conference that Blake Brandel could play at right guard.
Otherwise, it’s good to see that the defense is looking mostly healthy. Having Za’Darius Smith back after missing Week 18 is a good thing. The team needs him to be excellent on Sunday.
I’m expecting lots of Harrison Phillips, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Khyiris Tonga on Sunday afternoon, but getting James Lynch back is a positive. Prohibiting Saquon Barkley from piling up huge rushing totals is going to be a full-team effort. The defensive linemen will need to rest their weary legs (and lungs) at some point, which is where Lynch factors in. His task is to provide a spark off the bench, creating penetration to disrupt the Giants’ offense.
The more concerning news rests in the secondary. Cameron Dantzler and Harrison Smith are questionable.
I won’t have to tell Vikings fans that things have been somewhat underwhelming for Ed Donatell’s crew. Initially, there was a fair bit of optimism that the 2022 season could feature a revitalized defense, one that helped complement the offense. Instead, the team finished 28th overall by allowing 25.1 points per game, the identical per-game average from 2021 (that defense also allowed 25.1 points per game).
Now, Donatell has expressed confidence in his group, proclaiming that Vikings fans will be pleased with the defense on Sunday: “It’s our time to shine as a defense now that we’re hitting the playoffs.”
Brian Asamoah looks like he’s ready to roll. The rookie LB brings a ton of speed to a linebacker group that needs it. The two starters – Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks – are both getting a bit older. Asamoah looks very explosive when he’s out there.
Given how things have progressed this week, I expect Smith to be on the field. He has been in the NFL since 2012 and has proven to be very durable and very tough. Smith, in short, is going to be on the field unless the injury is very serious.
Dantzler’s absense has been a touch more mysterious, so it’s anyone’s guess if he’ll be available.
Finally, it’s surprising to see Kene Nwangwu included. Hopefully, the illness is quite minor and he can make a difference for the special teams. Seeing the KR bring a kick back for a sizable gain or, even better, a touchdown can make the difference in the game’s outcome.
The Vikings’ first playoff game will begin at 3:30 CST on Sunday afternoon.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
