The Vikings Will Be Without Several Key Starters in Upcoming Chargers Game
K. Joudry
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Unfortunately, we already know that the Minnesota Vikings will be without several key starters in the upcoming game against the Chargers.
Truthfully, I’ve always liked the Chargers. They’re basically the Vikings of the AFC. They have a long history and have never won. Even worse, they often find ways to lose in heartbreaking fashion. Is that because they never had good, talented teams? On the contrary, they’ve often had tremendous talent. Not altogether unlike our friends in purple, the Chargers often find a way to lose.
This reality at least gives the Vikings a fighting chance in the Chargers game, even with the good guys being down several starters. The upcoming game will likely be a stressful one.
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Of course, the most obvious names to come up are Danielle Hunter and Irv Smith since they’re done for the season. Perhaps more important, though, are the players who have more short-term ailments.
Patrick Peterson is on the IR; he’ll be eligible to return in the Green Bay game. Time will tell if he’s actually ready. The team will also be without star safety Harrison Smith. Here is what Dustin had to say about the situation:
He missed the Week 9 game at Baltimore after hitting the COVID list mere hours before the all-purple showdown. His inclusion in the Vikings defense versus the Ravens was nil as his teammates lost 34-31 to Lamar Jackson’s Ravens in overtime. Due to the timing of his positive COVID test and his reportedly unvaccinated status, the damage for Smith’s playing time is twofold. Not only did he miss the road game at the Ravens, but he will miss the next one at the Los Angeles Chargers, too.
According to PFF, Smith is the league’s 13th-best safety. His absence is difficult to overcome, especially since the corner position is so thin. Bashaud Breeland missed a significant portion of the Ravens game, so Kris Boyd needed to play. The team’s #4 corner had a difficult time out there. Cameron Dantzler has also been dealing with an injury.
Obviously, getting a few starters back would make life easier for the Vikings when they take on the Chargers. Michael Pierce may be ready to roll, and the team may also have Garrett Bradbury available. A loss would mean the team falls to 3-6, a nearly insurmountable hole. Having a mostly healthy lineup gives the team a small chance of getting back into playoff contention.