2 Vikings Out, 3 Questionable for Sunday
In Sunday’s Week 16 contest against the New York Giants, two players won’t participate, while three others remain in question for the third consecutive matchup with an NFC East franchise. The designations were finalized on Friday when the Vikings released their final injury report.
2 Vikings Ruled Out
The two players featured on the Vikings injury report with an “out” designation are Christian Darrisaw and Javon Hargrave.
Darrisaw missed all three practice sessions this week and, therefore, won’t be available on Sunday. Furthermore, as his knee continues to be an issue 14 months removed from the initial injury sustained during a road game in Los Angeles last season, the star blocker was placed on IR, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced at his Friday presser.
His season resume includes ten games, while he has already missed four others. In five of those ten, he left the game early because of his knee problems. The torn ACL has still given him trouble, and the Vikings decided it’s best to let him focus on that recovery rather than sending him out there for the final three unimportant weeks of the season.
While Darrisaw is out, backup Justin Skule will handle the left tackle duties, as he has all year when the starter wasn’t available. He can’t match Darrisaw’s level, but it’s impossible to find a backup that can.
Defensive lineman Hargrave will miss his first game of the season. He has competed in all 14 regular-season games. The veteran is listed with a thigh injury and missed practice all week. He’s out on Sunday, and his status going forward is in jeopardy, too. Hargrave is in the first year of his two-year contract.
There will be extra work for young defenders Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
3 Players Questionable
In addition to those two, three guys are questionable.
Tight end Gavin Bartholomew could be ready to make his NFL debut. The 2025 sixth-rounder has missed the entire season with a back injury suffered in the summer. He returned to practice this week, as he continues his stint on the PUP list. The Vikings opened three roster spots this week by placing Joshua Metellus, Jonathan Greenard and Darrisaw on IR.
Bartholomew would compete with fellow rookie Ben Yurosek for the TE3 gig behind T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.
Running back Ty Chandler landed on IR early in the season because of a knee injury suffered in the opener. He has practiced for a couple of weeks and is close to his return. Chandler is fourth in the running back room behind Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Zavier Scott, but played a role on special teams entering the season as a kick returner. His rookie contract will expire after the season. He and Bartholomew were full participants on Thursday and Friday.
Finally, Brian O’Neill is listed. The right tackle has a heel injury and is questionable. The Vikings need him on the field with Darrisaw out, as facing New York’s strong pass rush with two backups on the outside is a tough situation for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
If O’Neill can’t go, he’d be replaced by versatile backup Blake Brandel, who has done a decent job at center for about half the season.
The good news is that center Ryan Kelly, linebacker Austin Keys, and wideout Jalen Nailor are all available despite missing some practice time this week.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.