Standout Vikings Rookies Returned to Practice on Thursday
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings looked extremely banged up following their Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions.
On their Wednesday injury report, 12 different Vikings players appeared on the list with various ailments. While the same 12 players remain on Thursday’s injury report, things appear to be improving health-wise for a pair of standout Vikings rookies: WR Jordan Addison and CB Mekhi Blackmon.
Standout Vikings Rookies Returned to Practice on Thursday
Here is a look at the full injury report from the Vikings on the Thursday:
- WR Jordan Addison (Ankle, Limited)
- CB Mekhi Blackmon (Shoulder/Illness, Limited)
- DL Sheldon Day (Ankle, Limited)
- LB Troy Dye (Wrist, Limited)
- S Theo Jackson (Toe, DNP)
- RB Alexander Mattison (Ankle, Limited)
- CB Byron Murphy (Knee, DNP)
- WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion, DNP)
- RT Brian O’Neill, Ankle, Full)
- LB Ivan Pace (Shoulder, Full)
- DL Harrison Phillips (Back, Full)
- DL Jaquelin Roy (Ankle, DNP)
Considering T.J. Hockenson saw his season come to an end on Sunday while Byron Murphy remains sidelined with a knee injury, the Vikings will need both Addison and Blackmon to contribute if they hope to beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
Addison, in particular, put together a huge game in Minnesota’s first matchup against Green Bay by catching seven passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. He is tied for the lead in TD receptions among all rookies this season with nine. Only Lions TE Sam LaPorta has been able to equal that total among the rookie class.
Seeing as Jaren Hall is set to get the start at QB for Minnesota under the bright lights, Minnesota will need their playmakers in tip-top shape on the offensive side of the ball.
Luckily, Hall and the Vikings offense won’t have to deal with one of Green Bay’s premier defenders, Jaire Alexander, after he was suspended for the game. The suspension comes as a result of the cornerback deciding to impede on the coin toss prior to the Packers’ Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers.
As for the Vikings defense, another positive development from Thursday regarded Harrison Phillips. The veteran defensive lineman was upgraded to a full participant as he continues to work through a back injury that he suffered a couple weeks ago.
Phillips has been a steady presence on the Vikings defensive line all season. He has played all 15 games this season, recording 82 tackles, two tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and a pass defense.
The Vikings will release one more injury report on Friday. This injury report will include initial game designations for each of the injured players. Then, kickoff between the Packers and Vikings is scheduled for Sunday, December 31st at 7:20 PM Central inside U.S. Bank 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.