Vikings List 10 Players on Injury Report — J.J. McCarthy Limited
The Minnesota Vikings released the weekly Wednesday practice report, and they listed ten players on it ahead of Sunday’s season finale against the division rivals from Wisconsin.
3 Players Didn’t Practice
On the offensive side, the Vikings could be shorthanded this weekend. Running back Aaron Jones was listed as a non-participant with a hip injury. He’s battled through injuries all year and sat out four games earlier in the season.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson suffered a shoulder injury. He skipped last week’s game. If he can’t go, the Vikings would be without one of their premier pass catchers. Blocking specialist Josh Oliver would get more run.
The third player listed as DNP is Myles Price. It’s an ankle injury for the rookie, who left the Christmas game early. He’s the primary kick and punt returner. Perhaps Ty Chandler and Tai Felton could take over.
6 Players Limited
Players who are limited on Wednesday have a better chance of playing on Sunday.
Surely the most important name on the list is quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s still dealing with his hand injury. Grip strength is the main item that will determine his status against the Packers. A return in limited fashion is a good sign. McCarthy has one more opportunity to show that the growth displayed in games against the Cowboys and Commanders wasn’t a fluke, but is sustainable. Max Brosmer hasn’t done much to earn the confidence of anyone in Skol Nation, but he would be the next man up. The quarterback room will be the most discussed topic in the upcoming month.
Running back Jordan Mason was limited because of an ankle injury. He also missed the game against the Lions. With Jones and Mason on the report, the Vikings might have to rely on Ty Chandler and Zavier Scott to take the carries in a suddenly thin RB room.
And the third offensive player with limited work is Brian O’Neill, who has been dealing with a heel injury for weeks, ultimately sitting out the Christmas bout. Blake Brandel stepped into his right tackle spot, and there’s no reason to expect anything else if O’Neill is out.
The offensive uncertainty is rising. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Ryan Kelly are already on IR, and the Vikings could be without the top tight end, the right tackle, both running backs, and the quarterback.
On the defensive side, Harrison Smith was listed as a limited participant due to rest purposes. He’ll be available on Sunday for what could be his final career game.
Defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez is dealing with a rib injury and linebacker Blake Cashman is dealing with an elbow issue. Brian Flores might have to get creative if the latter is out. Ivan Pace could return to the starting lineup, or Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel play some middle linebacker snaps.
Gavin Bartholomew: Full Participant
Tight end Bartholomew practiced with the team. He’s still in his practice window, as the Vikings have not activated him from the PUP list, but he seems to be ready to go. The sixth-rounder from April’s draft has yet to make his NFL debut because of a nagging back injury. Sunday is his final chance to avoid a full redshirt year.
Between McCarthy’s grip strength, a banged-up backfield, and key veterans managing injuries, the Vikings’ final injury report of the season will go a long way toward defining how Week 18 is approached.