The Vikings listed six players as estimated DNPs (did not participate) on Wednesday's injury report, the first of the week ahead of Sunday's big game against the Lions. They were just estimations because the team held a walk-through, not a real practice.
These are the six:
- OLB Danielle Hunter (illness)
- RB Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- RT Brian O'Neill (ankle)
- DT Harrison Phillips (back)
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring)
- WR Jalen Nailor (concussion)
That's five starters, which isn't what you want to see with Detroit coming to town for a critical NFC North showdown this weekend.
Hunter, Phillips, and Murphy are all new additions to the injury report. Those three players each lead their respective position groups in snaps played this season. Hunter has several more days to get over his illness, so that one most likely isn't too worrisome, but Phillips' back injury and Murphy's hamstring are certainly worth watching as the week progresses. Pat Jones II, Sheldon Day/Khyiris Tonga, and Mekhi Blackmon would be in line for expanded roles in the event any of that trio has to miss the game.
Mattison and O'Neill both suffered ankle injuries against the Raiders in Week 14. Ty Chandler got the start at running back against the Bengals and was fantastic, so he'll likely be the lead back this week even if Mattison is able to play. If O'Neill isn't recovered by Sunday, it would be David Quessenberry starting at right tackle again.
Nailor, a depth wide receiver and special teams contributor, remains in concussion protocol for the second straight week.
Two of the Vikings' other defensive tackles — Jonathan Bullard and Day — were estimated as limited with ankle injuries.
The good news is linebacker Jordan Hicks (shin) was listed as a full participant. He's hoping to play on Sunday.
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