Purple Headlines of the Week: 2 Vikings Approach Records, a Warning out of Minnesota, Vikings Defender Inches Closer to Return
The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for their first of three straight divisional games to conclude the season.
This week, the Vikings begin that stretch by taking on the Detroit Lions for the first time. Ahead of that game, it’s been a busy week in terms of news for Minnesota. Here is a look at all the purple headlines of the past week.
Vikings Approach Records
Two Vikings players are fast-approaching some major records in either Vikings franchise history or NFL history.
T.J. Hockenson has been putting together another fabulous season with the Vikings, and after breaking the franchise’s tight end receptions record, he is inching closer towards the franchise’s tight end receiving yards record.
With three games remaining, Hockenson needs just 103 yards to surpass Joe Senser for the record. Senser totaled 1004 receiving yards during the 1981 season, a record that has stood for 42 seasons.
Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson stands just six yards away from setting the four-year NFL receiving yards record. That record is currently held by Michael Thomas, who recorded 5512 yards during his first four NFL seasons (2016-19). With Jefferson’s performance last weekend, he now is up to 5507 career yards.
The Minnesota Whiteout Warning
The Vikings issued a warning this week. That warning is for whiteout conditions at U.S. Bank Stadium.
No, this doesn’t mean snow. Instead, Minnesota will be donning their all-white uniforms for their Christmas Eve game against the Lions this weekend, and all fans in attendance are asked to wear white as well.
Fans will remember that the Vikings did a similar event last year for their Christmas Eve game against the New York Giants. Greg Joseph hit a 61-yard field goal at the end of the game to clinch Minnesota’s first NFC North title since 2017.
Put the purple away for a weekend, Vikings fans, and make sure to wear white at the game this week.
Jordan Hicks’ Return
Just a month ago, Jordan Hicks was in danger of losing his leg following a lower leg contusion against the New Orleans Saints. Now, he is approaching his return to the football field as we head into the final stretch of the year.
Hicks has spent the past four games on IR, but the Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on Monday, and he has been a full participant in practice throughout the week. Hopefully, the Vikings get him back on the field to bolster the defense against a tough Lions offense.
In Case You Missed It…
As usual, we have an extra list of reading material for the especially studious Vikings fans. Happy reading and Merry Christmas, Vikings fans!
- Another Member of the Vikings 2022 Draft Class Is Roaring Towards a Big Role
- 2023 NFL Power Rankings, Week 16
- Kwesi Crushed It
- Kirk Cousins Is “Hopeful” About Future with Vikings
Vikings Coach Talks Insider Scouting Report on Detroit’s Leading Man
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.