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. Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith, who have yet to play this season, also come in with questionable designations this week.

Wednesday’s practice provided some clarity on a couple of players, but there are still a ton of questions surrounding the status of 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, but we have heard that before. He was also joined by cornerback Jeff Okudah, who had been working through concussion protocol.

It’s good to see both players back on the field and without restrictions. Unfortunately, Andrew Van Ginkel — who suffered a concussion of his own during the same Week 1 game that Okudah did, was still limited at practice on Wednesday. Harrison Smith was also limited, as was Jonathan Greenard, Donovan Jackson and Theo Jackson.

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2025

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

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It’s probably expected, given his concussion history, that center Ryan Kelly will miss Sunday’s game against Cincinnati. That’s tough news for a revamped offensive line that has yet to put five healthy starters on the field.

Carson Wentz will need that group to protect him better than they did McCarthy, if he wants a chance this weekend. Minnesota plays host to the Bengals, and former practice squad quarterback Jake Browning, on Sunday afternoon.