The Minnesota Vikings are just two days away from their matchup against the division rival Detroit Lions, with a chance to improve to 6-0. The Lions, currently 4-1, are looking to close the gap. Making this showdown a strong contender for game of the week.
The Vikings have faced injuries to several key players, but today’s release of the final injury report offers some positive updates. However, the status of a few players remains uncertain as we head into Sunday’s game.
#DETvsMIN injury report
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 18, 2024
OUT: Blake Cashman and Akayleb Evans
QUESTIONABLE: T.J. Hockenson*, Pat Jones II, Aaron Jones Sr., Harrison Phillips and Dalton Risner*
*Returned to Practice/Designated to Return from Injured Reserve – Currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/sSuEEvVtNg
Blake Cashman and Akayleb Evans are officially out for Sunday’s game. Losing Cashman is a tough hit for the Minnesota Vikings defense, especially since he’s been playing pretty well this season. However, this opens the door for second-year standout Ivan Pace Jr., who will now take over the green dot and handle the play calling duties.
T.J. Hockenson is officially listed as questionable, which is actually a good sign. It shows he’s getting close to making a comeback. Even if he doesn’t play this Sunday, there’s a strong chance he’ll return in Week 8, as long as his recovery continues to go well.
Star running back Aaron Jones is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. While he didn’t practice on Wednesday, he was limited on Thursday and took part in today’s (Friday) practice. This means he’ll likely be a game-time decision. The good news? He’s already close to making a full return, and the injury wasn’t anything serious.
Pat Jones and Harrison Phillips, two important players on the defensive line, are both questionable for Sunday’s game. If they both can’t play, it would be a huge loss for the Minnesota Vikings, but we’ll have to wait and see how things play out.
Dalton Risner is still questionable after missing every game so far, but he would definitely be an upgrade over Ed Ingram on the offensive line. Whenever Risner is ready to play, it’s going to be great news for the Minnesota Vikings offense. We’ll find out soon if that’s happening on Sunday.
It would be quite surprising if all the players labeled as questionable don’t suit up on Sunday. This could be Kevin O’Connell’s strategy to use the injury report to his advantage, keeping the Lions on their toes about who will be playing and who won’t. However, we’ll find out soon enough.
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