A Positive Development for the Vikings Offense Appeared on Thursday’s Injury Report
Over the past couple weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have had to navigate a number of injuries on offense. During this four-game winning streak, the Vikings offense has spent time without QB Kirk Cousins, LT Christian Darrisaw, and WR Justin Jefferson.
Not only that, but last weekend, QB Jaren Hall and WR K.J. Osborn suffered concussions while RB Cam Akers went down with a season-ending Achilles tear. Yesterday, there were a whopping 10 Vikings on the injury report. While the Thursday list is still lengthy, there are some positive developments. Namely, Osborn was able to return to the practice field in a limited fashion.
Things Look Better for the Vikings Offense on Thursday’s Injury Report
Here is a look at the full Thursday injury report for Minnesota:
- LB Brian Asamoah (Ankle, Limited)
- LT Christian Darrisaw (Groin, Limited)
- QB Jaren Hall (Concussion, DNP)
- TE T.J. Hockenson (Ribs, Limited)
- WR Justin Jefferson (Hamstring, Limited)*
- DL Dean Lowry (Groin, Limited)
- TE Johnny Mundt (Knee, Limited)
- WR Jalen Nailor (Hamstring, Full)
- WR K.J. Osborn (Concussion, Limited)
- IOL Chris Reed (Foot, Full)*
- S Harrison Smith (Rest, DNP)
*: Currently within 21-day practice window
Osborn’s presence in the Vikings offense has been crucial during this period without Jefferson. In the four games without their star receiver, Osborn has caught 19 passes for 211 yards, including a 99-yard outburst against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
The fact that he was able to get back on the field following the scary hit he sustained last weekend is a very positive sign that he is trending towards the right direction.
Elsewhere on the report, T.J. Hockenson remains limited with his rib injury. He battled through the injury in Week 9, and unless there are any setbacks in the final days of practice this week, it seems that he is set to do so again.
Hockenson said to the media on Thursday that he “won’t go off the field unless someone’s making [him]”. Despite being in some pain, he said he wasn’t close to that point of needing to leave the game on Sunday, and his comments suggest that he is ready to go for this weekend against the Saints.
Christian Darrisaw was also limited for the second consecutive day after missing Sunday’s game with his groin injury, so hopefully, the Vikings will be able to get him back on the field this weekend as well. Even if he cannot play, David Quessenberry has shown that he is ready to step into that left tackle spot based on his performance in Atlanta.
Justin Jefferson did not have any setbacks on Wednesday either after practicing for the first time in four weeks, so all signs point to him trending in the positive direction as well. He won’t suit up on Sunday, but a return for the Vikings star receiver could happen sooner rather than later.
The Vikings will release one more injury report on Friday with initial game statuses for all their injured players, so we should get a clearer picture tomorrow afternoon as to where everyone is at heading into the weekend.
Previewing This Week’s Vikings Game: Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
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.