It’s Another Huge Injury Report for the Vikings to Start Week 11
The Vikings are on a five-game winning streak heading into Week 11’s matchup against the Denver Broncos, but it has not come without hurdles along the way.
Minnesota is dealing with a litany of injuries, and even more players exited Week 10’s win over the New Orleans Saints with ailments. As we look ahead to Week 11, the Vikings are starting their week of practice with another huge injury report, which includes some of the top names on the roster.
It’s Another Huge Injury Report for the Vikings
Here is a look at the full Vikings injury report for Wednesday:
- LB Brian Asamoah (Ankle, Limited)
- QB Josh Dobbs (Ankle, Full)
- CB Akayleb Evans (Calf, DNP)
- QB Jaren Hall (Concussion, Limited)
- TE T.J. Hockenson (Ribs, Limited)
- WR Justin Jefferson (Hamstring, Limited)*
- K Greg Joseph (Non-Injury — Personal Matter, DNP)
- DL Dean Lowry (Groin, Full)
- RB Alexander Mattison (Concussion, DNP)
- QB Nick Mullens (Back, Limited)*
- WR K.J. Osborn (Concussion, Full)
- IOL Chris Reed (Foot, Full)*
*: Currently within 21-day practice window
As expected, Alexander Mattison did not participate in Wednesday’s practice after the concussion that he suffered in Week 10. The running back likely will miss Sunday night’s game in Denver, unless he progresses through the protocols very quickly.
If Mattison does sit out, Ty Chandler should be in line for another chance to lead the Vikings rushing attack. Last week, he finished his day with 15 carries for 45 yards and his first NFL touchdown. He very nearly had another 29-yard score, but it was called back due to a holding penalty on Brian O’Neill.
Elsewhere on the report, Akayleb Evans also sat out with his calf injury. He was another player to exit Sunday’s win, and it opened up a chance for Mekhi Blackmon and Andrew Booth to get more reps with the defense. The rookie Blackmon has been emerging as one of the better playmakers on this defense, so if Evans were to sit out, he should get more chances to prove himself on the primetime stage.
T.J. Hockenson remains limited with his rib injury, but once again, it seems that he is intent on playing through the injury unless anything gets worse in the next couple days. He spent last week as a limited participant before turning in 11 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown against the Saints.
There were a couple positive developments, though.
K.J. Osborn was a full participant on Wednesday, and as Kevin O’Connell stated earlier in the day, the wide receiver seems to be on track to return to the field this weekend. Justin Jefferson remains limited as well, but O’Connell said that they are “ramping him up” this week in order to see if he can also make his return from IR. The Vikings star hasn’t played since Week 5.
All three of Jaren Hall, Dean Lowry, and Nick Mullens were back at practice as well, so while the report is a long one, things overall seem to be trending in the correct direction for Minnesota.
The Vikings will release two more injury reports on Thursday and Friday before kicking off their game against the Broncos on Sunday, November 19th.
Kevin O’Connell Provides a Positive Injury Update for Vikings WR Room Heading into Week 11
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.