The Vikings’ Depth Could Be Tested in Week 16
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings are just a couple days away from arguably their biggest game of the season.
On Christmas Eve, Minnesota will play host to the Detroit Lions, who currently hold a three-game lead in the NFC North. The Vikings need a win in order to keep their division hopes alive, but the Vikings’ depth could be tested when the game kicks off this weekend.
The Vikings’ Depth Could Be Tested in Week 16
The Vikings released their second injury report of the week on Thursday, and once again, a number of key playmakers were listed on the report. Here is a look at the full list:
- DL Jonathan Bullard (Ankle, Limited)
- DL Sheldon Day (Ankle, Limited)
- LB Jordan Hicks (Shin, Full)*
- OLB Danielle Hunter (Illness, Limited)
- RB Alexander Mattison (Ankle, DNP)
- CB Byron Murphy (Hamstring, DNP)
- WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion, DNP)
- RT Brian O’Neill (Ankle, DNP)
- DL Harrison Phillips (Back, DNP)
Once again, the Vikings defensive line was without Harrison Phillips while both Jonathan Bullard and Sheldon Day were listed as limited with ankle injuries. Jaquelin Roy and Khyiris Tonga are the only healthy defensive linemen on the 53-man roster right now.
The Detroit Lions have a two-headed monster at the running back position in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. This duo has helped the Lions to the second-most rushing yards in the league this season as well as the fourth-most rushing TDs.
Minnesota’s run defense has been superb, but this is going to be their biggest test of the year, particularly if they are hindered on the defensive front.
Additionally, Danielle Hunter was limited on Thursday as he continues to recover from his illness. Hunter has been one of the league’s best pass-rushers all year, but the Lions offensive tackle group of Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell have been dominant and provide another test for the Vikings defense.
Then, the backend of the defense is banged up as well. Byron Murphy remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and if he is unable to go, that would mean rookie Mekhi Blackmon will take over the starting role against a talented pass-catching group that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.
Offensively, all three of Alexander Mattison, Jalen Nailor, and Brian O’Neill were not able to practice on Thursday, either.
The Vikings will release one more injury report on Friday with initial game statuses for the injured players. Then, kickoff between Detroit and Minnesota is slated for Sunday, December 24th at 12 PM Central.
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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.