Minnesota Vikings Ravaged by Injuries Yet Again

The Minnesota Vikings returned home on Sunday night for a second-straight primetime matchup. For three quarters the script this week was somewhat similar to week one.

Unfortunately, there were no late game heroics this time around. In fact, quite the opposite. The reality after week two for Minnesota is that J.J. McCarthy continues to look more lost than found, in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s 4D chess-style offense.

Then, you beyond the play of our redshirt rookie, to a roster that’s being attacked by early-season injuries (and a mysterious illness) that seem to take a new starter off the depth chart on a near daily basis.

Injuries piling up for MN Vikings in a bad way

But without a doubt, the injury fallout from Sunday night’s loss was the worst of them all.

On defense, (OLB) Jonathan Greenard was removed (oblique), though he did return. 2024 UDFA OLB Gabe Murphy — who was elevated to help fill in for an injured Andrew Van Ginkel — left with a knee injury.

On offense, both C Ryan Kelly and backup LT Justin Skule left early with concussions. RB Aaron Jones was removed with a hamstring injury.

Not looking good for Gabe Murphy. Lots of Vikings players looking pretty distraught.

— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) September 15, 2025

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says C Ryan Kelly has a concussion. Justin Skule has a concussion. Jonathan Greenard had oblique injury. Aaron Jones will be evaluated for a hamstring. Gabe Murphy’s MCL will be evaluated.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 15, 2025

None of the aforementioned offensive players were able to return and O’Connell is expecting Jones to miss Sunday vs Cincinnati.

If the two linemen play, we won’t know until late in the week. But the Vikings do not like to push concussions, so we are ruling them both out until further notice.

Biggest injury shocker of the year so far: JJ McCarthy

By the time the game ended on Sunday night, O’Connell’s team had added even more key players to the growing list of unavailable talent.

But the biggest surprise came during KOC’s press conference on Monday, when he announced that JJ McCarthy will miss at least one game (reportedly more) due to a sprained ankle. That makes recently acquired Carson Wentz the Vikings’ temporary starter.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced J.J. McCarthy has an ankle sprain and he will more than likely miss the team's Week 3 game against Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/01AhkeMpRK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2025

Since training camp started, injuries have been a problem for the Minnesota Vikings, and they only seem to have gotten worse since the season started.

Latest injuries only make health matters worse

Entering week two, Minnesota was already without key starters. Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah joined Christian Darrisaw, Harrison Smith, Blake Cashman (IR) and Ty Chandler (IR).

It’s expected that 2024 seventh round pick Michael Jurgens will fill in for Ryan Kelly. At left tackle, they just have to hope Darrisaw is ready to return.

Aaron Jones’ injury will mean more run for Jordan Mason, who’s outplayed his backfield PIC anyway. Still, don’t be surprised if the Vikings look for more RB help. Maybe another transaction involving Cam Akers…?

Related: What We Learned About Vikings in Lullaby Loss vs Falcons

Sunday was just one loss, and most of their issues are correctable. But it’s going to get increasingly difficult to play better with all these injuries.

Who knows, after Sunday’s game against the Falcons, TCO Performance Center may just be converted into an infirmary.