Some Injured MN Vikings Return to Practice, Others Do Not

The Minnesota Vikings finally have their first normal practice week of the season. Although they played on Sunday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, they have a traditional timeframe ahead of their contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

We know they are again walking wounded coming out of the latest contest. J.J. McCarthy is out for a matter of weeks with his ankle injury. They also may not yet be ready to unveil Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith this week.

Wednesday’s practice provided some clarity on a couple of players and continues to bring questions on others.

Two starters return for Minnesota Vikings

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said that left tackle Christian Darrisaw would be a “full” participant on Wednesday. That wound up being the case and is a positive development after he was held out of action on Sunday night. He was also joined by cornerback Jeff Okudah, who had been working through concussion protocol.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 3 pic.twitter.com/3NEnMGOoqZ

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2025

It’s good to see both players back on the field and without restrictions. Unfortunately Andrew Van Ginkel, who suffered a concussion during the same Week 1 game that Okudah did, was still limited. He was joined in that designation by Harrison Smith. The safety has been working back from an illness that has now cost him nearly two months of action.

Andrew Van Ginkel is back, with a no-contact jersey, and Jeff Okudah is practicing. No J.J. McCarthy, Ryan Kelly or Justin Skule; likely rest days for Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. pic.twitter.com/jIX5GFdYjR

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 17, 2025

It’s probably expected, given his concussion history, that center Ryan Kelly will miss the game against Cincinnati. That’s tough news for a revamped offensive line that has yet to hit its stride. Carson Wentz will need the group to protect him better than they have McCarthy if he wants a chance this weekend.

Related: Former Viking Expecting Baby with Rap Superstar

We now have a baseline for availability as the week goes on. Hopefully players like Donovan Jackson, Jonathan Greenard, and Josh Oliver were just working through their bumps and bruises out of an abundance of caution.

Minnesota plays host to the Bengals, and former practice squad quarterback Jake Browning, on Sunday afternoon.