Vikings Release Another Big Injury Report to Start Week 18

  |  
Jan 3, 2024
NFL: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

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

Injury Report
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Van Jefferson (15) tries to make a catch over Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks Mekhi Blackmon (5) and Byron Murphy Jr. (7) on the final play of the game during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs for yards after the catch as Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) makes the tackle during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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.

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) holds the ball as Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) make the tackle during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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