The Injury Woes Just Won’t Stop for the Vikings. 12th Player Heads to IR
The Minnesota Vikings have dealt with horrendous injury luck all season long.
Between Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson missing extensive time, and others such as Jordan Hicks, T.J. Hockenson, and D.J. Wonnum also spending time on IR, the injury woes have been incredible in Minnesota this year. On Saturday, less than 24 hours before what will presumably be Minnesota’s final game of the 2023 season, the Vikings placed a 12th player on IR: wide receiver Jalen Nailor.
Injury Woes Won’t Stop in Minnesota
Minnesota announced a number of roster moves, including Nailor’s placement on IR, via a tweet. In order to replace Nailor on the 53-man roster, the Vikings have signed Lucky Jackson to the team, who has spent the season on the practice squad.
Additionally, in order to help what looks to be a very thin secondary on Sunday, the Vikings have elevated both CB Joejuan Williams and CB Jaylin Williams from the practice squad. Seeing as Minnesota will be without all of Mekhi Blackmon, Theo Jackson, and Byron Murphy this weekend, Brian Flores simply needs bodies in the backend of his defense.
As for Nailor’s placement on IR, he joins the following VIkings currently on injured reserve:
- RB Cam Akers
- QB Kirk Cousins
- OLB Marcus Davenport
- LB Troy Dye
- TE T.J. Hockenson
- WR Malik Knowles
- LB William Kwenkeu
- DL Dean Lowry
- DL James Lynch
- OT Oli Udoh
- OLB D.J. Wonnum
This is actually Nailor’s second stint on injured reserve this season. He was initially placed on IR back in September because of a hamstring injury. He remained there until November 4th, and the second-year receiver played four games before suffering a concussion in Week 14 against the Raiders. He has not played since.
Nailor was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Minnesota, and during his rookie season, he played in 15 games while catching nine passes for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries have obviously derailed his second year with the Vikings, and as a result, Nailor has been limited to just six games while catching three passes for 29 yards.
Now, Jackson has a huge opportunity to make a lasting impression before the Vikings head into what looks to be a very interesting offseason. We’ll see if the undrafted rookie can make the most of the chance in front of him.
Kickoff between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings is scheduled for 12 PM Central inside Ford Field on Sunday, January 7th.
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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.