The Vikings Secondary Could Get a Boost for Week 12

Josh Frey |

Nov 23, 2023

Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 12.

Over the past few weeks, Minnesota has seen a number of their starters go down with injuries that have forced their depth pieces into larger roles. However, the Vikings seem to be getting healthier and could have a boost to their secondary for this game. Starting CB Akayleb Evans returned to practice on Thanksgiving Day and was listed as limited on the Vikings injury report.

Vikings Could Have a Boost to Their Secondary for Week 12

Vikings Could Have a Boost to Their Secondary in Week 12 — Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) during their football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at the full report for the Vikings on Thursday:

LB Brian Asamoah (Ankle, Full)
CB Akayleb Evans (Calf, Limited)
QB Jaren Hall (Concussion, Full)
TE T.J. Hockenson (Ribs, Limited)
WR Justin Jefferson (Hamstring, Limited)*
QB Nick Mullens (Back, Full)
*: Currently within 21-day practice window

Evans missed last weekend’s game against the Denver Broncos because of his calf injury, and in his place, both Mekhi Blackmon and Joejuan Williams played a good chunk of the snaps last Sunday night. While Blackmon had a decent game, folks will remember that the rookie was in coverage on Courtland Sutton during the game-winning TD pass.

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) catches a touchdown over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) in the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the season, Evans has been a hard-hitting presence in the Vikings CB room, so if he indeed is able to return to the field on Monday, it will be a welcomed addition to the secondary. In 10 starts this season, the second-year CB has put together 49 tackles, 5 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles.

Additionally, Justin Jefferson remained limited with his hamstring injury as he works to get back from IR. The star wide receiver has not played since Week 5, but even without him, Kevin O’Connell has put together some strong gameplans for the Vikings offense that have been wonderfully executed.

Still, with the Vikings at 6-5 and looking to move up in the NFC standings, Jefferson could be the piece that puts Minnesota over the top and allows them to finish the year strongly.

Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings will release two more injury reports on Friday and Saturday with initial game statuses for Monday night being included in Saturday’s report.

Kickoff between the Bears and Vikings is then scheduled for 7:15 PM Central on Monday, November 27th 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.