Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke to the media on Wednesday and provided updates on several Vikings players dealing with injuries.
- T.J. Hockenson has recovered from his ear infection but is now dealing with lower-back stiffness. More details here. There's a chance he returns on Thursday.
- On Kene Nwangwu: "Still working through the rehab process. No real change there." Speculatively, it seems like Nwangwu may enter the season on PUP or IR, which would mean the Vikings needing to find a new kick returner and depth running back option.
- N'Keal Harry "did suffer a lower-body, soft-tissue (injury) the other night" in warmups before the Vikings' second preseason game," O'Connell said. "Hoping to try to see if he can work through it, but might be tough to get him for the game." Translation: Don't expect to see Harry in the preseason finale this weekend.
- NaJee Thompson and Esezi Otomewo are in the concussion protocol.
- Lewis Cine "suffered a little bit of a low-grade soft-tissue thing. Will not be something that we're too concerned about moving forward, but want to make sure we allow that to heal."
- Phasing back into action: Jalen Nailor, Mekhi Blackmon, Jaquelin Roy, Brian Asamoah, Garett Maag, and C.J. Coldon Jr.
- No update on Chris Reed, who seems like another PUP/IR candidate.
Brian O'Neill did full-team reps on Wednesday with "no issues" and is on track to be ready for Week 1. Jordan Addison returned to full participation after being in concussion protocol last week and had a great day of practice against the Cardinals.
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