Vikings-Bears inactives: Josh Oliver out heading into Chicago

The Minnesota Vikings will be close to full strength when they battle the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon, but they'll be without the services of tight end Josh Oliver.

In his second season with the Vikings, Oliver has eclipsed last year's receiving totals in yardage (216) and touchdowns (3) from his first year in Minnesota (213 yards, 2 TD) but is even more valuable in the running game, ranking sixth among qualifying tight ends with a 68.1 run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Vikings elevated Nick Muse from the practice squad to take Oliver's place on the active roster and will likely use Johnny Mundt in the No. 2 tight end role behind T.J. Hockenson.

The Vikings have also downgraded edge rusher Gabriel Murphy to out after he was listed as questionable with a knee injury but Sam Darnold (foot) and Aaron Jones (ribs) are both good to go after being listed on the injury report earlier in the week.

The rest of the inactive players for the Vikings include quarterback Brett Rypien, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez, center Dan Feeney and offensive tackle Walter Rouse.

The Bears will be without offensive tackle Ryan Bates (concussion) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) in Sunday's game but running back D'Andre Swift (groin) is active after being listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.

The rest of the inactive players for the Bears include wide receiver Tyler Scott, defensive back Ameer Speed, offensive lineman Kiran Amegadije and defensive lineman Dominique Robinson.

The Vikings will kickoff against the Bears on Sunday at noon at Soldier Field in Chicago.