In week 9, redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy reminded fans and media members why he was drafted No. 10 overall in 2024, following five-straight games on the sideline recovering from a high ankle sprain, which came after two underwhelming performances to start his NFL career.

On top off that, the Vikings defense played far and away the best game of its 2025 season, pressuring Jared Goff nonstop with blitzers up the middle that the veteran quarterback and Lions coaching staff failed to make proper adjustments for throughout the afternoon.

But really, Sunday’s victory was a product of improving health on both sides of the football in Minnesota. Andrew Van Ginkel wreaked havoc on defense for just the third time this year. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill bookended the offensive line during the entire contest for just the second time together all season.

Aaron Jones optimistic about his chances to play vs Ravens

Of course, there were some injury scares during the game. That’s football, especially for the 2025 MN Vikings. Aaron Jones exited early with what he disclosed, after the win, as a sprained AC Joint.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell was careful to disclose any details on whether Jones will play next week against the Ravens, but the second-year Vikings running back was extremely confident in the locker room that he’ll be available, noting that he’s suffered and played through this exact injury before.

Aaron Jones had 98 total yards in the win over the Lions today. Then he left the game with a shoulder injury and didn't return. He told me he's alright and will be back on the field. #Vikings @kare11 pic.twitter.com/eZ6S6YqGSL

— Reggie Wilson (@ReggieWilsonTV) November 3, 2025

“I feel alright. It’s just take a day or two to recover. I’ll be back out there. I have played through an AC [joint injury] before. [Not coming back in vs the Lions] was more precautionary, just because we weren’t able to get up here an get an X-ray and see how bad it was. But I’m good, I’ll be good. I’ll be back out there [vs the Ravens].”

Aaron Jones on AC Joint injury after win vs Lions

Other Minnesota Vikings injury updates

Outside of Aaron Jones’ injury on Sunday in Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings seemingly got out of Detroit injury free. Justin Jefferson went down during the game, but returned after being treated for cramping. All three of Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill played the entire game.

Not only that, but in the locker room after the game, the veteran right tackle told reporters that, while he did not want to speak for Christian, he feels like both Vikings tackles are “both trending in the right direction” and “close to 100%.”

“I think both me and [Christian Darrisaw] are trending in the right direction in terms of getting close to 100 percent. I can’t speak for him fully, but just being around him the whole week, I think we’re both trending in the right direction.”

Brian O’Neill after Lions win (via the Star Tribune)

Related: JJ McCarthy Rides Emotional Roller Coaster After Impossible Vikings Win

That is great news, especially being that Darrisaw has taken himself out of multiple games this season, because he wasn’t feeling close to 100%. We found out on Sunday just how important it is for the MN Vikings to have their most talented linemen (and linebackers on defense) available.

Unexpectedly, Minnesota was better in the trenches than Detroit yesterday. That does not happen if Darrisaw, O’Neill, Van Ginkel and Cashman aren’t all available for the important interdivisional matchup.

The key to a successful second half for the Vikings, beyond the development of JJ McCarthy, is health. And going into week 10, it appears they are on the come-up in that department.

That includes FB CJ Ham, CB Jeff Okudah and TE Josh Oliver. As expected, we didn’t see JJ McCarthy, Jonathan Greenard or Isaiah Rodgers listed on the Vikings final injury report, entering their massive NFC North tilt against the (5-2) Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, meaning all three players are expected to start.

Minnesota Vikings list four players as “questionable” vs Lions

Unfortunately, Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw and Andrew Van Ginkel could not get fully cleared by the medical staff after Friday’s practice. All three were previously listed as “full” or “limited” throughout the week and will go into the weekend “Questionable”, according to the Minnesota Vikings injury report.

And if that wasn’t enough, safety Josh Metellus is dealing with what KOC described as “foot soreness” all of a sudden. He too was added to Friday’s report, in surprise fashion. But before fans start to hyperventilate, make sure to read beyond the below injury table, because that’s not the only context our head coach provided.

While the MN Vikings’ final injury report may have an uncomfortable number of question marks, the head coach seemed a lot more optimistic about the likelihood that all of these “Questionable” Vikings players will be available vs the Motor City Kitties on Sunday afternoon.

Kevin O’Connell expects “questionable” Vikings to play

In fact, KOC told reporters Friday during his regularly-scheduled press conference that he expects all four of them to play. Metellus’ soreness didn’t seem to concern the head coach, who went on to buck the official status of O’Neill, Darrisaw and Van Ginkel, telling media he expects them all to go.

Friday afternoon, an EXTREMELY peppy Kevin O'Connell listed off FOUR Vikings starters as "Questionable" to play Sunday in Detroit.

Then one-by-one, he told reporters that all four will play… pic.twitter.com/sjvl3WE72b

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 31, 2025

KOC: “We’ll have four players questionable, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O’Neill, Josh Metellus… and Christian Darrisaw.. All those guys were either limited or full [at practice] today, based upon a ‘Fast Friday’ workload.”

Reporter: “Was Van Ginkel full?”

KOC: “By my eyes he was, and by the sheet, he was as well. Yeah, he’s had a really good week. I anticipate him playing.”

Reporter: “You’ve been hopeful about Darrisaw and O’Neill during the week, do you still feel that way?”

KOC: “Yeah, yeah. I think CD, with his plan to return, it’s always been about kind of managing the week based on how he’s feeling and getting him as ready to go as we possibly can for Sunday. I know he felt really good today. Obviously, we’ll see how he he shows up tomorrow but we feel really good about those guys right now.”

Kevin O’Connell – Friday press conference (original video via the Minnesota Vikings – Cut by MN Sports Fan)

Related: Brave NFL Expert Picks Vikings Over Lions…

In all honesty, the NFL injury reports bother me and the league needs to figure out how to make them more accurate because, as they are currently regulated, these reports are a complete joke, as outlined by Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell today.

But in the larger picture, pertaining to the chances our favorite football team has as -9.5 point underdogs on the road vs a division rival, KOC’s presser today was extremely good news for the purple. Looks like they will be mostly at full-strength this weekend, and they’ll need it to stand any chance.

That doesn’t mean it’s an impossible feat, and it’s not even one ESPN’s Seth Walder is willing to consider. He sees the path for the Vikings to make it happen, and he’s ready to venture down it.

Seth Walder takes MN Vikings because of defense

When the Minnesota Vikings take the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, they’ll do so with J.J. McCarthy back under center. It’s his first appearance since Week 2, and there’s plenty of pressure on his shoulders. ESPN’s Seth Walder is all over Brian Flores having the keys to a victory though.

Goff will record a QBR under 50. Minnesota’s defense hasn’t been the same this season as it was in the recent past. But it is a zone-heavy team, and the Lions have severe man-zone splits, averaging 0.44 EPA per dropback versus man and 0.09 versus zone.

Seth Walder – ESPN

While Walder outlined his bold prediction with Lions quarterback Jared Goff in his sights, he also went on to suggest that Minnesota will emerge victorious to the tune of a 23-21 result. Obviously that’s going against the grain, but the logic is there.

Minnesota remains injured up front of the offensive line, and that’s a problem for J.J. McCarthy and the offense. Defensively though, they will have the full tandem of their edge rushers for the first time in weeks. Andrew Van Ginkel has logged full practices and appears set to return.

In just two games this year, Van Ginkel has racked up a pair of sacks. The pass rush has not exactly been daunting, and this could be the addition that turns the tide. Additional push from the front seven can mask things in the secondary, and with Jeff Okudah in line to miss another game with a concussion, that’s hardly a bad thing.

The Vikings need to keep Detroit’s offense down if they want to win this game. Although Minnesota has firepower on offense of its own, turning this into a track meet probably isn’t the best plan of attack. If O’Connell’s team can win the turnover battle and confuse Goff some, they’ll be in a good spot to snap the losing streak against the division rival.

Allowing McCarthy an opportunity to rub in a result against his former college teammate, Aidan Hutchinson, would be a fun outcome as well.

There’s also the exciting reality that J.J. McCarthy will be back under center for the first time since Week 2. Minnesota’s presumed quarterback of the future is locked in as the starter, and Carson Wentz is out of the picture after undergoing season-ending surgery.

As has been the case all season, it comes down to who will be protecting the signal caller.

Linemen continue to highlight MN Vikings injury report

The Vikings spent a substantial amount of money on the offensive line this offseason. They intended to have a beefed up front, and things have not gone according to plan. Injury and availability has been at the crux of the problem, and concerns remain for Week 9.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/coTAYmiwqz

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 30, 2025

Local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson has reported that Brian O’Neill will play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. That would seem to have given Minnesota a chance at a nearly-complete offensive line. That was until Christian Darrisaw popped up on the injury report and didn’t practice on Thursday.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert is reporting that Darrisaw’s knee issue is not simply a day of rest as was the case earlier this season. The star left tackle underwent season-ending surgery last year, took two weeks to appear in a game this season, and missed last Thursday’s contest.

It is a certainty that veteran fullback C.J. Ham will not play for the Vikings on Sunday. He missed the first four games of the season spending that time on injured reserve. He then missed last week’s contest and will now be out for a second straight game due to a hand injury.

#Vikings FB CJ Ham wont play this Sunday against the #Lions, @DWolfsonKSTP mentioned via @SKORNorth.

Ham has now missed 2 straight games, and was seen wearing a bulky wrap on his hand a week ago 👇 pic.twitter.com/7vlsvy51Qn

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 30, 2025

Jonathan Greenard, who has been on the injury report, will be back out there against Detroit. That’s a positive with Andrew Van Ginkel getting in a second-straight full practice. The tandem of edge rushers should help each other thrive if both can be on the field at the same time.

Neither Jeff Okudah or Josh Oliver were on the field again Thursday. Okudah is dealing with his second concussion this season. That could mean another elevation for practice squad veteran Fabian Moreau.

The Minnesota Vikings are nearly double-digit underdogs against the Lions, and they’ll have their hands full if an upset is in the cards.

One day removed from head coach Kevin O’Connell naming JJ McCarthy as the Vikings starter for Sunday, Minnesota’s first injury report of week 9 released on Wednesday afternoon. And not only was JJ McCarthy a full-go today, but so too were starting OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Neck) and LT Christian Darrisaw (Knee).

Minnesota Vikings looking healthier in early week 9 injury report

Notably, OLB Jonathan Greenard (Ankle), RT Brian O’Neill (Knee) and CB Isaiah Rodgers (Shoulder) were all limited at today’s practice. FB C.J. Ham (Hand), CB Jeff Okudah (Concussion) and TE Josh Oliver (Foot) did not practice.

Related: Former Viking Kirk Cousins Has Requested Trade

This is one of the more positive injury reports that the Minnesota Vikings have had all season. JJ McCarthy, we know will be under center on Sunday, barring some sort of freak injury or setback on his ankle.

Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw spoke with reporters this week and told them that the original timeline on his knee injury was 12 months, which he is still ahead of. That’s why, according to Darrisaw, he and the team have been so cautious with his return. We will see how limited he is tomorrow, after a full day of practice today.

Return of Andrew Van Ginkel incoming…?

The best news on this report is Andrew Van Ginkel. His status is supposed to be very much up in the air for Sunday. After a full day of practice, right after he told reporters that he hopes to play on Sunday in Detroit, bodes well toward his availability.

Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) spoke to reporters today for the first time since he last played in Week 3. He said it’s his goal to play Sunday but not a certainty. Would not detail the injury nor say whether he needs surgery.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 29, 2025

Related: Vikings WR Could Be Popular Trade Candidate at Deadline

Until we hear otherwise, I am assuming Brian O’Neill will be returning to the MN Vikings o-line this week too. As long as he can practice, at least in a limited fashion for most of the week, he’ll probably be on the field.

But again, practice schedules for injured players have been weird for the Vikings all season long, so we’ll see what Thursday brings. O’Neill and Darrisaw both know how badly JJ McCarthy needs them both to be part of his protection package vs the Lions and Aidan Hutchinson.

If all of the limited/full participants at Wednesday’s Minnesota Vikings practice — including Isaiah Rodgers and Jonathan Greenard — can suit up in Detroit four days from now, it will be a much different team that takes to Ford Field, than what we saw one week ago in LA vs the Chargers.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has gotten a mental and physical workout, answering questions about the never-ending number of injuries his roster has suffered early in the 2025 season, and he’s even shown his exhaustion at times.

Don’t expect Andrew Van Ginkel back anytime soon

But on Friday, O’Connell met with reporters, where he was asked about Andrew Van Ginkel’s injury, which has kept him out of the lineup for more games this season than he has played. When asked how close Van Ginkel is to returning, KOC went on a 107-word diatribe that categorically answered nothing.

He then followed up with a final statement to say he has no concrete update and, effectively, no idea when his starting OLB will return.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on Andrew Van Ginkel's availability pic.twitter.com/ifnnSMntft

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2025

“I think he’s a guy that’s been able to continuously get the limited work in on the practice field to try and continue to stay sharp as he tries to get back into a place to be available to us. I’m encouraged by the fact that we’ve got a little bit more time this week and how Gink can possibly turn over.

When he’s available, and we can get him back out there, he’s one of those guys that is a critical part of how we want to play defense. When we can make that happen, and when that happens, will be a huge boost for us. Don’t really have an update right now on that for next week in any kind of concrete way. My hope is that we get to see Gink sooner rather than later for sure.”

Kevin O’Connell

Van Ginkel signed an extension this offseason, after a career year in 2024, but things have not gone to plan since. Andrew has played in just two games. His only start of the season was Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. He was officially held out earlier in the season, due to a concussion. His latest injury is a neck ailment.

Danielle Hunter missed the entire 2020 season with a mysterious neck injury that he couldn’t shake, an injury that multiple local reporters have referenced, when discussing Van Ginkel’s.

Minnesota Vikings need Van Ginkel back

If O’Connell is attempting to shroud mystery on Andrew Van Ginkel’s availability, heading into the Vikings’ week 8 matchup vs the Detroit Lions he’s not doing a very good job. Despite just two games of action, the Wisconsin alum has recorded two sacks.

That’s just one shy of the team lead (Jalen Redmond – 3.0) and the same amount Jonathan Greenard has in seven games. Minnesota’s front seven was supposed to be elite and make up for a secondary that was questionable at best. Early on, Brian Flores and his boys did a pretty good job.

But recently, they have faded. Without a doubt, the continued absence of Andrew Van Ginkel plays a role in that. But for now, the end of his extended absence may not be in sight. Van Ginkel signed a $23 million extension this offseason, and has a $19.4 million cap hit in 2026.

Aaron Jones is also back on the practice field and it should be expected that he’ll play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Continuity can’t be expected for the offensive line though, and that’s been a problem all year.

Brian O’Neill back on the MN Vikings injury report

On Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Brian O’Neill was a game-time decision. Ultimately he was on the field and returned from his sprained MCL. He played all 69 snaps on Sunday, but has logged his second DNP of the week.

Tuesday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/T7kEwNdlo5

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 21, 2025

It could simply be Minnesota giving O’Neill time to rest as he continues to recover from the knee injury. Kevin O’Connell hasn’t specifically noted his absence, so that seems to be good news. Obviously Wednesday’s report will indicate his game status, and it should be questionable at best.

It’s a good thing that Wentz is back to practicing in a full capacity, especially with him having been named the starter. He has been dealing with a non-throwing shoulder injury, and took plenty of hits against the Eagles. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggested it may be time for the Vikings to look at undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

C.J. Ham, who spent time on injured reserve this season, was also a DNP alongside O’Neill. If O’Neill is being given additional rest days, that’s probably the plan for Ham too. With Andrew Van Ginkel continuing to log limited practices with no substantial updates, he should be expected to be out for another week as well.

Minnesota kicks off as 3.5 point underdogs on the road against Los Angeles on Thursday night. They’ll need a win to avoid their first losing record of the season.

While the team didn’t officially practice on Monday, the first Week 8 injury report shared some insight into how the Vikings look health-wise, entering the shortest week of this gauntlet midseason stretch of games.

No healthy starting QB for the Minnesota Vikings

Despite being healthy enough to dress as Minnesota’s emergency QB3 Sunday against Philly, Carson Wentz got the start… and the 32-year-old’s fourth start in purple was inarguably his worst.

Nursing a left shoulder injury entering the contest, everything on Wentz was hurting by the time the game clock hit 00:00 at U.S. Bank Stadium, after he was hit 8 times, some of which were painful just to watch. On Monday’s injury report, both he and JJ McCarthy were listed as “Limited”.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 8.

The team did not conduct a practice and participation is an estimate. pic.twitter.com/HUQTwAKwj3

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 20, 2025

Today’s QB statuses are interesting because, while McCarthy was listed as “Limited” all last week, Carson Wentz practiced in full, with the same left shoulder injury he is nursing now, yet this is the first time he has been limited at practice.

Nonetheless, Wentz seemed pretty confident during his postgame presser on Sunday, that he would be starting again Thursday night, even if O’Connell continues to play coy. Additionally, Ian Rapoport dropped a report before Sunday’s game against the Eagles, that had Wentz starting through Week 8.

Until we hear otherwise, expect Carson Wentz to start under center Thursday, no matter what the practice report says. Tuesday’s injury report will tell us a lot more about who will and will not be on the field in Inglewood later this week.

Veterans are worth watching for MN Vikings

Brian O’Neill returned to action after suffering a sprained MCL. The hope would be that he made it through the game no worse for the wear, and that his DNP designation is reflective of what would have been a veteran rest day. C.J. Ham also spent time on injured reserve this season, and giving him extra days off makes sense as well.

Their veteran counterpart, Andrew Van Ginkel, remained limited. He has missed multiple games this season due to a nagging neck injury and reports haven’t been great. He did get in action on a side field last week, but it never appeared as though he was in line to play.

Injuries have been a key deterrent of success this season for Minnesota. The Vikings have trended in a positive direction of late, and if there’s any way they salvage the season, that will need to continue.

Beyond just the quarterback position, we have seen Minnesota trend in a positive direction on the injury front. Of course the time off over the bye can be credited for that, but the injury report brings plenty of players close to ready with questionable statuses.

Questionable tags litter Minnesota Vikings front lines

The offensive line has been the focus of multiple injury updates this season. That is no different this week, although the linebacker group gets in on the action as well.

Final #PHIvsMIN injury report

OUT: OLB Andrew Van Ginkel

QUESTIONABLE: Tyler Batty*, Blake Cashman*, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Michael Jurgens, J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill

*Returned to practice and currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/JT5OwFzxJv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 17, 2025

Both Michael Jurgens and Brian O’Neill are still among linemen working back towards full health. Jurgens had been out with a hamstring injury, and O’Neill suffered an MCL sprain against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin.

It’s possible that O’Neill returns to the starting lineup, replacing Justin Skule, but he will be a game time decision and require a brace if he is out there.

Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel remains out as he works through a neck injury, but inside linebacker Blake Cashman is expected back. Cashman has been out since Week 1, and his return could push Ivan Pace Jr. out of the starting lineup. Cashman will again assume green dot duties on defense.

Vikings make change at center

Minnesota started the season with veteran Ryan Kelly as their new starting center. Now having suffered two concussions in a matter of four weeks, the future of his career is in doubt. Michael Jurgens backed him up until he was off the field in London due to his hamstring injury. Now, after one career game at center, Blake Brandel is the starter.

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says Blake Brandel will start at center.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 17, 2025

Coming into Week 5 Blake Brandel had played 60 games in his professional career, and his 61st was the first one he played at center. It went well, so well in fact, he is now taking over for Jurgens.

It’s possible that Jurgens won’t actually be active on Sunday as he still has a questionable designation. However, the Minnesota Vikings gushed over Brandel’s play and believe in him enough to run it back this week.

It remains to be seen who is under center, and there is plenty of uncertainty regarding other key positions as well. While the Monday injury update provided some clarity, Wednesday brought the first injury report of the week.

Arguably the most questionable position on the field as we near the weekend is at quarterback, the most important in all of sports. But between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy, the MN Vikings made it pretty clear who is healthier, and until further notice, more likely to play Sunday against the Eagles.

JJ McCarthy, other MN Vikings starters limited; not Carson Wentz

Wentz, who has been dealing with a non-throwing (left) shoulder injury he suffered overseas against the Cleveland Browns, was listed as a full participant on Wednesday, which was somewhat surprising since O’Connell said earlier in the week that he was likely to be limited.

Meanwhile, JJ McCarthy was limited, as he continues to work his way back from a high ankle sprain he suffered week 2. While it’s still possible that the redshirt rookie starts under center in four days, it’s seeming less and less likely with every day that goes by.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 7. pic.twitter.com/Ykyaf97FH7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 15, 2025

Blake Cashman and Michael Jurgens returning as full participants give them a clear runway to return on Sunday. Cashman has already been reported as a likely candidate to be back out there, while Jurgens could force Blake Brandel back to the bench.

Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill are also expected back this week, although both got in limited sessions. Andrew Van Ginkel is not a certainty, though the limited workload is seemingly better than his side field work on Monday.

There are plenty of storylines to observe here prior to Sunday’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. We will get another update following practice on Thursday.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on @cj_wentz's availability pic.twitter.com/48XDP5NSVd

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 15, 2025

“We’ll work through the week but he got some good work in Monday, at least feeling positive from a health standpoint to go through and throw as if he took a normal amount of throws. There wasn’t any throws he didn’t take because of it. There’s a layer of working through it, even though it’s his non-throwing shoulder.”

Kevin O’Connell