The Vikings were without five starting defensive players during Wednesday's practice, though only three — safety Josh Metellus, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., and outside linebacker Marcus Davenport — were due to injury. Harrison Smith and Harrison Phillips received veteran rest days.
Metellus (shoulder) and Murphy (X) are a bit banged up, but head coach Kevin O'Connell believes they'll get some work in practice on Thursday and/or Friday.
"Expect to get them some work as the week progresses," he said. "Very optimistic there."
If Metellus can't play, Theo Jackson would be next in line at safety, with Lewis Cine beyond him. That would be a major loss on both defense and special teams. If Murphy has to miss any action, Mekhi Blackmon would see a significantly expanded role and Andrew Booth Jr. would be in line to play. The Bears just poached Joejuan Williams off of the Vikings' practice squad on Wednesday.
The Vikings are also hoping Davenport, who has played four total snaps in three games, can make some progress with his ankle injury this week. It's been a frustrating situation where the injury hasn't improved the way Davenport and the Vikings were hoping it would.
"It's just one of those things where I'm missing a lot of my opportunities," Davenport said. "Not being able to really help and watching from the sideline, it takes its toll. For me, I just gotta push through it and do what I can."
Davenport said he's feeling better this week and remaining optimistic that he'll be able to play soon.
Starting center Garrett Bradbury was listed as limited on Wednesday despite O'Connell saying he would be a full participant. The expectation is that Bradbury will return to action this weekend for the first time since injuring his back early in the season opener. That would mean Austin Schlottmann returning to backup duties.
OLB Pat Jones II was limited with a knee injury.
For the Panthers, rookie QB Bryce Young was a full participant and is on track to play after missing Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
Here's the full injury report from Wednesday:
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