Vikings' Thursday injury Report: Three defenders upgraded to limited

Three Vikings defensive players — Marcus Davenport, Josh Metellus, and Byron Murphy Jr. — were upgraded from DNPs on Wednesday to being limited practice participants on Thursday. That's an important step towards potentially playing in Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Davenport, the Vikings' big free agent acquisition from the Saints, has played four snaps in three games due to an ankle injury that has proven tricky to recover from. He's hoping to be able to play in Charlotte — and the Vikings could really use him.

"He brings an element of size, speed, physicality that would help any team," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. "(If he plays this week), he would bring an element that we need of pass rush and physicality in the run game and things of that nature. When we get him back, nobody will be happier than me."

If Davenport does play, which is still very much up in the air, it likely would be in a rotational role to protect his ankle.

Metellus (shoulder) and Murphy (hip) are important starters in the Vikings' secondary. If they can't play, Theo Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon would be next in line for every-down roles.

Lewis Cine did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a hamstring injury. He has only played on special teams this season. Garrett Bradbury remained limited, while Patrick Jones II was upgraded to full participation.

The Panthers are expected to be without starting safety (and ex-Viking) Xavier Woods. Frankie Luvu and D.J. Chark Jr. were upgraded to limited participation.