Vikings Injury Report Includes 11 Players
After securing their third consecutive NFC East win on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings have a short week, with the Christmas game against the Detroit Lions scheduled for Thursday. The Vikings’ injury report is — as expected — an extensive one the day after the game.
On Monday, the franchise released the first injury report of the week just over 24 hours after the final whistle at MetLife, the home of the New York Giants. It was an estimation of practice participation if the Vikings held a practice session. They didn’t physically take the field.
Perhaps the most requested name is QB J.J. McCarthy, listed as a non-participant with a right-hand injury. After hitting the helmet of a defender, he remained in the game until fumbling the ball for New York’s only touchdown. Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer finished the contest.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said in his post-game presser, “The only information I have at this point is that X-rays were negative. But obviously, the hand, there’s a lot going on there, so I don’t wanna speculate one way or the other. Just crossing our fingers that we’ll have him back out there.”
Clean X-rays are a good sign, but the young signal-caller was slated to undergo further evaluation on Monday. His status going forward is entirely unknown. The Vikings would love to get him out there, given the lack of reps on his resume, but gripping the ball is a necessity for QBs.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is listed as DNP (did not participate) with a shoulder injury. He just caught one pass for two yards on Sunday in a quiet season for him. A more prominent role in the blocking department hasn’t helped him produce at a normal rate.
Center Ryan Kelly picked up a third concussion. Given his history, his long-term availability will be a topic of discussion this offseason.
Right tackle Brian O’Neill battled through a heel injury on Sunday after missing two practice sessions last week and being limited in the third. He’s been an iron man for the Vikings. If he can walk, he’ll be out there against Aidan Hutchinson.
Running back Jordan Mason left the game on the first drive with an ankle injury and didn’t return. He’s also unlikely to be available in the fifth division game of the season.
In addition to those five DNPs, the Vikings listed three guys as limited.
Aaron Jones also suffered an ankle injury, but he returned after a short absence and got the lion’s share of carries out of the backfield. Linebacker Eric Wilson was limited with a thumb issue, and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who missed Sunday’s contest, is still dealing with his thigh injury.
Those three players have a better chance of suiting up.
And finally, we have three players listed on the injury report but with full (virtual) participation in practice.
Two rookies — tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back) and linebacker Austin Keys (ankle) — as well as running back Ty Chandler (knee), could be available. Bartholomew and Chandler would have to be activated to the 53-man roster ahead of the game, as they are working their way back from the PUP list and IR.
The squad might not be at full strength on Thursday, but they will try to beat their rivals from Michigan to eliminate them from playoff contention.