Vikings Could Be Without Key Players in Week 15

Josh Frey |

Dec 13, 2023

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings came out of Week 14 a bit banged up in the injury department.

Now, as we look ahead to Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s beginning to look like the Vikings could be without a couple key players for this weekend’s matchup. On Wednesday’s injury report, Minnesota listed four players as DNPs, including RT Brian O’Neill and RB Alexander Mattison.

Vikings Could Be Without Key Players in Week 15

Here is a look at the full Vikings injury report for Wednesday:

RG Ed Ingram (Hip, Full)
WR Justin Jefferson (Chest, Limited)
RB Alexander Mattison (Ankle, DNP)
WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion, DNP)
RT Brian O’Neill (Ankle, DNP)
IOL Chris Reed (Illness, DNP)
LG Dalton Risner (Ankle, Limited)

The Vikings have seemed to be preparing to go into this weekend without at least one of the four offensive linemen listed on the report. On Wednesday morning, Minnesota made the decision to sign Henry Byrd to the practice squad, who was an undrafted free agent this spring after a five-year collegiate career with Princeton.

Luckily, despite the fact that Chris Reed was the latest addition to the injury report with an illness, Ed Ingram was able to practice in full on Wednesday. The Vikings’ starting right guard missed last weekend’s game against the Raiders due to his hip injury, marking the first game that the 2022 second-round pick has missed during his young NFL career.

August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos guard Henry Byrd (66) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

However, both Alexander Mattison and Brian O’Neill have remained sidelined for a second consecutive day because of ankle injuries. O’Neill has been a stalwart presence at the right tackle spot for Minnesota, and if he is unable to suit up, it seems that David Quessenberry would be in line to start. Quessenberry filled in at left tackle for Christian Darrisaw during Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons.

As for Mattison, his ankle injury comes right as he was beginning to find his footing as the Vikings lead running back. Over the past three games, he has recorded 38 carries for 199 rushing yards, a clip of over five yards per carry.

If Mattison is unable to go, the Vikings will rely on Ty Chandler to be the leader in the backfield this weekend. It could also mean that DeWayne McBride gets elevated from the practice squad for the first time during his rookie season. The UAB product was drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has not played a snap with the team yet this season.

Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) tackle Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Jefferson is also listed as limited once again, but the expectation seems to be that he will be ready to go this weekend. At least, this is what he told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.

Minnesota will release one more injury report on Thursday with initial game statuses for any injured players. Then, kickoff between the Bengals and Vikings is scheduled for 12 PM Central on Saturday, December 16th at Paycor Stadium.

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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.