Minnesota Vikings dealt a lump of coal in their stocking right before Christmas Day game vs. Lions

Ninety minutes before the Minnesota Vikings are set to face off against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, we saw the inactives drop, and there are multiple big names on it.

The Vikings already knew they would be without tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the inactives also included right tackle Brian O'Neill, who will miss the game with a heel injury. The inactives are as follows:

• QB J.J. McCarthy
• QB Brett Rypien (Emergency 3rd QB)
• RB Jordan Mason
• ILB Austin Keys
• RT Brian O'Neill
• TE T.J. Hockenson

Brian O'Neill to miss Christmas Day game vs. Detroit Lions

O'Neill is set to miss his third game of the year with an injury. He missed the games against the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers with an MCL injury. It's a tough one for the Vikings, who are starting Max Brosmer for the second time this season. He will have backup tackles Justin Skule and Blake Brandel, along with backup center Michael Jurgens.

Having O'Neill also play in the game means that Walter Rouse is active for the first time in a few weeks. He has been inactive for weeks, not having played since Week 8 against the Chargers.

The Vikings don't have a lot to play for, but they can knock the Lions out of the playoffs with a win. However, doing so with three backups on the offensive line will be a tough task.

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.