Vikings Release Another Big Injury Report to Start Week 18
The 7-9 Minnesota Vikings are preparing for one last regular season game.
On Wednesday, the Vikings released their first injury report of the week ahead of this weekend’s matchup against Detroit. The list is another extensive one, including the names of nine players.
Vikings Release Another Big Injury Report
Here is a look at the full Wednesday injury report for the Vikings:
- CB Mekhi Blackmon (Shoulder, Limited)
- RG Ed Ingram (Shoulder, Limited)
- S Theo Jackson (Toe, Limited)
- CB Byron Murphy (Knee, DNP)
- TE Nick Muse (Knee, Limited)
- WR Jalen Nailor (Concussion, DNP)
- RT Brian O’Neill (Ankle, DNP)
- DL Jaquelin Roy (Ankle, DNP)
- S Harrison Smith (Shoulder, Limited)
This weekend, the Vikings will travel to Detroit and take on the NFC North champion Lions. Detroit is 11-5 on the year, and with a win, they could jump into the No. 2 seed for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s playoff hopes hang by a thread, needing a win and multiple other outcomes in order to sneak in as the No. 7 seed.
These two teams met just a couple weeks ago at U.S. Bank Stadium. During that Week 16 matchup, the Lions won by a score of 30-24 behind a strong showing from Amon-Ra St. Brown and their offense. The star wide receiver put up 12 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Because of this reality, it doesn’t bode well for the Vikings that their top cornerback, Byron Murphy, was once again absent because of his knee injury to begin the week. Murphy has missed the past two games because of the ailment, and without him, Minnesota has allowed 30+ points in each contest.
On top of Murphy’s injury, safety Harrison Smith also begins the week on the injury report as he deals with a shoulder injury. Luckily, though, the veteran safety was able to join practice as a limited participant.
The Vikings offensive line continues to deal with injuries as well. Brian O’Neill did not practice because of his lingering ankle injury while Ed Ingram was a limited participant due to the shoulder injury that knocked him out of Sunday night’s loss to the Packers.
The Lions also released their own injury report on Wednesday, which also included nine players. Three of the injured Lions did not participate: LT Taylor Decker (groin), WR Jameson Williams (ankle), TE Brock Wright (hip).
Both the Lions and Vikings will release two more injury reports this week on Thursday and Friday. These latter reports should provide more clarity on both teams’ injury situations.
Then, kickoff between the two teams is scheduled for 12 PM Central on Sunday, January 7th inside Ford Field.
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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.