The Vikings Could Be Without 1 Key Defender on Sunday
The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0, something nobody could’ve seen coming two months ago when the fans were mourning the season-ending injury of promising rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Despite the tough early schedule, including games against the 49ers, Texans, and Packers ‒ three clubs that advanced in last season’s playoffs ‒ the Vikings are leading the league in point differential and are still unbeaten.
The Vikings Could Be Without 1 Key Defender on Sunday
A new task awaits Kevin O’Connell’s group on Sunday when the Vikings host the Detroit Lions in the second of the six annual NFC North showdowns.
Coming off a bye week, there usually aren’t multiple injury questions, but the 2024 Vikings continue to be different. It starts with running back Aaron Jones, who suffered a hip/hamstring injury in Week 5, leaving the contest against the New York Jets early. T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner, on the other hand, are nearing a return.
Reinforcements are important for a team that is looking to stay at the top of its division.
Against the reigning champions, however, Minnesota could be without one of the top defenders. Blake Cashman’s status, head coach O’Connell announced on Wednesday, is in question going forward because of turf toe.
On Blake Cashman, he’s dealing with a little turf toe that kinda came up in the London game. (We) thought it was just sore leaving London, went through the bye week, and we’ve kind of established that that’s what it is. He’ll be day-to-day, week-to-week as he deals with that. We really don’t know yet, but don’t think it will be a long-term injury with IR or anything like that. We just hopefully have him work through it and get him back on the field as soon as possible. (I) don’t really know about his status for this week.
Andrew Krammer from The Star Tribune reported on Wednesday: “Sources: Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman is dealing with turf toe and isn’t expected to play Sunday vs the Lions. His status for the next game, against the Rams the following Thursday, is also in doubt from what I’ve heard.”
The linebacker was listed on Minnesota’s official injury report as a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice. Of course, injury reports gain relevance as the week continues, but it’s quite concerning, to say the least. Turf toes are painful and can be lingering, although it’s a positive that O’Connell ruled out a stint on IR.
In Brian Flores ‘ reformed defense, Cashman has been an unsung hero for the Vikings. The franchise added him in free agency, signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million deal.
The defender is a Minnesota native, went to Eden Prairie High School, and played football at the University of Minnesota. Entering the league as a fifth-rounder in 2019, Cashman struggled with injuries early in his career. He played in a total of only 14 games in his first three seasons in the NFL.
The Texans lured him to Houston after three injury-plagued years with the Jets. Cashman stayed relatively healthy in his two campaigns in Texas, appearing in 30 games (plus two postseason matchups). His breakout season came in 2023 when he entered the starting lineup.
Cashman has been excellent in the first five games with the Vikings, making 40 tackles, recording a sack, and a handful of passes defended.
Earlier in the season, the Vikings played a couple of games without fellow linebacker Ivan Pace. Veteran backup Kamu Grugier-Hill replaced him and played quite well. It will once again be an expanded role for him if Cashman can’t go, and Pace will be the top guy in the rotation. However, playing without the three-down linebacker who is calling the plays on the field would result in a significant loss.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over The Cap and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt