In fact, between early-season primetime matchups and early morning kickoffs overseas, Sunday will be the Vikings second noon start in seven games. Want a positive spin? The only other noon start of the year so far also came at home, right before the Vikings left for Dublin.

That’s right, Minnesota’s only other 12 PM start was week three against the Cincinnati Bengals, a contest the Vikings completely dominated, to the tune of 48-10. And just like that game, Carson Wentz is poised to start under center in place of JJ McCarthy.

Except this time, the 2024 first round pick is healthy enough to suit up as Minnesota’s emergency QB3, behind both Wentz and 2025 UDFA out of Dinkytown, Max Brosmer.

Minnesota Vikings linebackers activated off injured reserve

Two other players who were not in uniform that day against the Bengals, who like JJ McCarthy, will be in uniform Sunday against the Eagles — linebackers Blake Cashman and Tyler Batty, who have both been on injured reserve for over a month. But not anymore, after the MN Vikings officially activated both Saturday afternoon.

The #Vikings have activated OLB Tyler Batty and LB Blake Cashman from IR. pic.twitter.com/a197rCUi6X

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 18, 2025

Sunday against Philly will be Tyler Batty’s NFL debut. After impressing at training camp, the 2025 undrafted free agent suffered a knee injury near final roster cuts that cost him the first five games of his NFL career. We’ll see how the Minnesota Vikings decide to deploy him against the Eagles.

Return of Blake Cashman will be felt immediately

The future for Blake Cashman, as long as he can stay healthy, is much more clear. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah targeted the former Minnesota Gopher two offseasons ago, with visions of #51 patrolling the middle of Brian Flores’ defense for the foreseeable future.

That decision paid itself off in full during Cashman’s first season, when he played 14 games, collected 112 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 11 QB hits, all career high marks, to go along with a 72.0 PFF grade.

Blake Cashman had 13 total tackles, including a sack and TFL against the 49ers. That's not even counting his three pass deflections, one of which led to an INT.

He was all over the field. He had an incredible game in his return home to Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/2Fhmfo6xT1

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) September 17, 2024

Unfortunately, he came in with past injury issues that have come back to light in year two, where he flew all over the field for less than one quarter of Minnesota’s opener in Chicago, grabbing 3 tackles before straining his hamstring and subsequently being placed on IR.

Let’s hope Blake’s immediate injury issues are behind him, because the MN Vikings defense is a completely different animal when the Eden Prairie native is on the field, especially given how out of place Ivan Pace has looked at times this season without him.

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

Speaking to the media on Monday, O’Connell announced multiple optimistic updates, starting with the defense, which has been without its QB (or ILB) Blake Cashman since Week 1. He’s back on the practice field and is expected to return to game action Sunday.

Blake Cashman set to return against Eagles

Against the Chicago Bears in the season opener, linebacker Blake Cashman suffered a hamstring injury. The severity was significant enough that he wound up needing a stint on short-term injured reserve. Minnesota has been without their green dot on defense, but that will change against the Philadelphia Eagles.

#Vikings standout linebacker Blake Cashman is currently expected to be able to return to action and play this week vs. the #Eagles after missing the last four games due to a hamstring injury, sources tell @CBSSports.

Cashman led Minnesota with 112 tackles last season. pic.twitter.com/GaDRH9jonu

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) October 14, 2025

“To be back on the grass with your brothers, you start to feel like yourself again. Something [hamstring injuries] I’m familiar with. It’s been a while, but it was really important to get with [the training staff] the first day and go over a plan for the past month to make sure my health is straight and the hammy is bulletproof, so I can go out there with 110 percent confidence.”

Blake Cashman – via Star Tribune

The Minnesota Vikings opened Cashman’s 21-day practice window on Monday. Theoretically he has multiple weeks in order to ready himself for game action. It doesn’t sound as though he’ll need that long.

Cashman’s importance to the Vikings’ defense is massive. He led the team in tackles last season with 112, to go with a career-high 4.5 sacks. Not only does he stand out while on the field, but you notice when he’s not on it too. Without the Gopher grad, Minnesota was a shell of itself in both pass and run defense.

It remains to be seen how defensive coordinator Brian Flores will shuffle his defense, with Cashman back in the fold. Eric Wilson was his backup, but he has played significantly better than Ivan Pace Jr. over the past few weeks. Could we see more Wilson and less Pace Jr, upon Cashman’s return? We’ll soon find out…

MN Vikings still missing Andrew Van Ginkel

Andrew Van Ginkel posted the best season of his career in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings. This year, he hasn’t been able to build on it, due to a neck injury that has been a problem going back to the start of training camp.

Not only has he missed more games than he’s played, but when Van Ginkel has take the field on game day, it’s been sparingly. In the two weeks Andrew has been active, he’s played just 69 total snaps. Week 3 against Cincinnati, the 30-year-old EDGE played just eight snaps.

Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is “doing better,” O’Connell said, but still not practicing due to a neck injury. He has missed the past two games and has not practiced since the Sept. 21 victory over the Bengals, after which O’Connell said he was dealing with residual issues from an August neck issue.

On Monday, Van Ginkel worked through physical rehab with a member of the team’s training staff on a separate field from where the team practiced... “what I see is his workload hopefully picking up as we go,” O’Connell said. “Want to see how he does with some of that side field work. He’ll be a critical guy to get back in there when we can.”

Star Tribune

Van Ginkel has played in just two of the Vikings five games this season. He missed Week 2, and then was back in action against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. That contest was his last appearance though, and it has now been 23 days since he last played.

Minnesota opted against putting him on injured reserve, but that looks like it may have been the path to go at this point. If they do so now, he’ll miss at least another four games and the front seven will continue to be without one of their top edge rushers.

Van Ginkel sacked Jake Browning twice in Week 3. He put up a career-best 11.5 last season, and unless his availability quickly turns around, it will be tough to match that number. Dallas Turner has seen significant run in his absence.

Kevin O’Connell’s squad has consistently been beat up through the first five games of the season. They are now trending towards a cleaner bill of health, and he provided clarity on the injury status of multiple players on Monday.

JJ McCarthy back on the field for Minnesota Vikings

MN Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been on the sidelines after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. He made the trip overseas with the intention of returning to practice, but that didn’t happen. He did get work in during the bye week, and is officially on the practice field this week.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell gives an update on @jjmccarthy09 pic.twitter.com/h1quJAWjdl

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 13, 2025

“We had some good work last week. It was great to get back on the grass and head some good sessions out there…Very excited to get him back officially practicing. I don’t necessarily want to put a percentage on where I think he’s at health wise.”

Kevin O’Connell

The Vikings head coach talked about working with McCarthy on foundational throwing principles, and building back from the ground up. O’Connell wants to stress different ways to find success for his young quarterback, and being able to work with him in a practice capacity again continues to provide a path for that development.

It remains to be seen what the situation will look like on Sunday. Reports have varied as to where he is at from a health perspective. Carson Wentz will also be practicing after dealing with a non-throwing shoulder injury. He is doing better, but consistent hits have put a strain on him physically.

Minnesota welcomes the Philadelphia Eagles to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday and who is under center could be a question mark until late in the week.

Blake Cashman eyeing return to Vikings defense

Linebacker Blake Cashman has spent the past four weeks on injured reserve and his absence has certainly been felt. Ivan Pace Jr. has struggled, and veteran Eric Wilson has done his best to hold down the fort. Cashman had his practice window opened on Monday, and he’ll be on the field looking to get back in game action.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides updates following bye week pic.twitter.com/6yamlLagq9

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 13, 2025

“Blake Cashman’s window will open up today. We’ll go out for some on-field work today to kind of get the week kicked off. We’ll also have Donovan Jackson, Michael Jurgens, Brian O’Neill, and J.J. McCarthy taking part in the work today, as well as throughout the week. It will be great to get Cash back on the practice field, opening that window up. He’s done a heckuva job getting himself ready to go. Give him the week of preparation and see where he’s at towards the tail end of the week.”

Kevin O’Connell

Cashman played 14 games for the Vikings last year in his first season after signing as a free agent. Injuries have marred his career, and he was placed on injured reserve after Week 1 this season. He is of significant importance to the Vikings front seven as the green dot on defense and a talented leader.

It’s a positive outcome that Cashman may wind up missing the minimum and could be back on the field against Philadelphia. Being joined by O’Neill, Jackson, and Jurgens is also a positive from the offensive side of things.

The Minnesota Vikings starting offensive line hasn’t played together all year. They’ll still be down center Ryan Kelly, but if that trio can get back on the field together, then whoever is under center will have the best opportunity for success that we have seen to date.

O’Connell did note that edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel will be working on a side field during practice. He continues to deal with a neck injury and the timeline there is murky at best.

As practices go on this week, the injury report will be key to continue monitoring ahead of Sunday’s showdown. The Eagles are coming off two straight losses, and they just abruptly lost pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to retirement.

Now back stateside, Vikings players will have some time over the week 6 bye to recover from their time abroad. It sounds like J.J. McCarthy will have Jordan Addison to keep him company at TCO Performance Center, while others get away for a little while over the break.

Starters returning to practice for Minnesota Vikings

On Monday, however, head coach Kevin O’Connell held a pre-bye press conference, where he brought some much needed good news on the Minnesota Vikings injury front. JJ McCarthy is indeed back to practicing, and he’s not the only one.

When the team returns to practice next week, off the bye, starting left guard Donovan Jackson and backup center Michael Jurgens will also be back on the practice field, as will inside linebacker Blake Cashman.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell expects J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Jackson, Blake Cashman, and Michael Jurgens to be returning to practice in different capacities next week. pic.twitter.com/NUZvJ9jmZF

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

The Vikings had so many offensive linemen banged up against the Browns that once Christian Darrisaw took himself out in the fourth quarter, they were down to just one starter, right guard Will Fries. Hell, the starting center on Sunday, Blake Brandel, hadn’t snapped a ball since grade school.

Return timeline for JJ McCarthy remains in flux

It was initially suggested that J.J. McCarthy would return to practice last week, which was one of the reasons why he was brought along on the trip overseas. That didn’t happen, but it’s a positive development that O’Connell is so confident he’ll be ready one week from now.

O’Connell also confirmed what Jordan Addison reported after the game in London. McCarthy will be in the building during the bye, throwing to whoever hangs back with him. JJ has now missed three weeks, after suffering his high ankle injury week 2, in a loss vs Atlanta.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on J.J. McCarthy's return. pic.twitter.com/yIoisCPTsv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

It’s great that O’Connell was able to step up to the podium without a depressing dump truck of negative injury news to share. If there has been one consistent trend this season for the Minnesota Vikings, it’s been their inability to stay healthy.

While Jurgens is only a backup, he brings desperately-needed depth on the interior OL, while Ryan Kelly sits on injured reserve with yet another concussion. Donovan Jackson is getting ready to return, after he missed two games, following surprise wrist surgery after week 3.

Blake Cashman has been out on defense since Week 1, and his presence in the middle of the defense has been sorely missed. Carson Wentz has gone 2-1 as JJ McCarthy’s fill-in. He missed one play at the end of the first half Sunday against the Browns, after he was ushered back the locker room with a shoulder injury.

Carson Wentz is someone to monitor for Minnesota

To add some pressure on McCarthy’s continued recovery, it sounds like there could be some lingering effects that Carson Wentz is dealing with. If Wentz isn’t healthy, it could make the return of Minnesota’s young starter even more important.

O’Connell notes that Wentz is still pretty sore in his shoulder, and how that progresses over the bye week could be huge. It’s no guarantee that McCarthy is ready to go, and the only other quarterback on the active roster is Max Brosmer.

Wentz has completed 69% of his passes for 759 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions this season. He hasn’t been perfect, but he has been more than effective when the line gives him time to operate.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on Carson Wentz pic.twitter.com/WD1qLgdAi1

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

Carson Wentz on the Vikings final drive of the game:

9-for-9
71 yards
TD
pic.twitter.com/9SXhXCBaPb

— Ted (@tlschwerz) October 6, 2025

No news on other injured Vikings isn’t ideal

Minnesota placed center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve prior to their game against the Browns. He will be out a minimum of four weeks with his second concussion of the season, so no update was expected there. However, a lack of update to Brian O’Neill, Andrew Van Giknel, and Ty Chandler is suboptimal.

O’Neill avoided something more serious with just an MCL sprain suffered against the Steelers. He didn’t go on injured reserve, but not being ready out of the bye would be unfortunate. It has been obvious that Justin Skule is a liability as a starter.

Van Ginkel has missed multiple games with a neck injury this season, and a recent report said that could be something substantial. O’Connell not noting him as a guy who should return to practice next week doesn’t calm those fears.

Finally, Chandler was injured during the first game of the season and placed on injured reserve with Blake Cashman. Despite being eligible to return, him not being noted as ready is unfortunate. Chandler had a key kick return to end, and secure the win, against the Bears. His ailment was noted afterwards, and apparently is serious.

While Friday brought renewed hope with an additional day of practice, the game designations for multiple starters has been clarified. Unfortunately, the outcomes are not positive.

Defense loses two starters for MN Vikings

Last week Christian Darrisaw worked out pregame with a desire to be back on the field. Ultimately he was announced as out. Even now, the additional week of practice won’t give him time to get ready as he’ll miss a second straight game. This time, he’s being joined by starting defenders Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah.

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell with some game status vs. Falcons:

Christian Darrisaw, Jeff Okudah and Andrew Van Ginkel are OUT. All are progressing.

Harrison Smith is QUESTIONABLE.

Ryan Kelly is ACTIVE.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 12, 2025

Okudah has been talked up all throughout training camp and operated as a starter during Week 1. He was carted off at the end of the game and is now in concussion protocol.

The Vikings cornerback depth was already incredibly thin, and now the 53-man roster has just three players at the position. Fabian Moreau is on the practice squad. The veteran played multiple games for the Minnesota Vikings last year so an elevation for him makes sense.

The Vikings front seven has been the key to the defense thus far. Van Ginkel being removed from that group is a significant blow. Like Okudah, he too is progressing through concussion protocol.

That will force Dallas Turner to step up in a big way. With Blake Cashman going on injured reserve yesterday, the linebacker position and edge rushing group is now in quite a state of flux.

McCarthy back at Minnesota Vikings practice

Thursday J.J. McCarthy missed practice for the Vikings as he and his fiance, Katya Kuropas, welcomed their baby boy to the world. While O’Connell is constantly providing great messaging for his young leader, he did have some words of wisdom for him to take to the hospital

KO is always coaching his QB 🤣 pic.twitter.com/H4MdeLhcqS

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 12, 2025

Not only will McCarthy be under center to reprise his award-winning performance from Week 1 on Sunday Night, but now he’ll be doing it with the added benefit of dad strength.

Veterans are key for Vikings on Sunday

It remains to be seen if Harrison Smith can go Sunday night. He has been out with an undisclosed illness, and it sounds as though the hurdle now is conditioning. His presence on the back end of the defense would be a boost to the group, and help to mitigate the cornerback situation.

Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly did go into the medical tent on Monday night, but he has no injury designation and will be good to go.

Ty Chandler was also placed on injured reserve earlier this week, meaning Myles Price will have increased return duties. Undrafted rookie running back Zavier Scott could also see some action there.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Wasted No Time Delivering Legendary Message

The Vikings are set to square off against the Atlanta Falcons in a second-straight primetime game. J.J. McCarthy will battle against Michael Penix Jr. and look to best him as he did during the National Championship two years ago.

In week two’s initial simulated injury report, which came off of a Tuesday walkthrough, the Vikings listed six to eight starters, with varying degrees of participation. Even for that early in the week, there were a lot of names, many of them key contributors, like Harrison Smith, Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman, among others.

Vikings sign replacements with starters banged up

Unfortunately, Thursday’s roster moves present arguably an even greater cause for panic. The most notable move was former Gophers linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) going on injured reserve, along with depth running back Ty Chandler, who also returns kicks. Both players will be available until week 6, at the soonest.

The #Vikings have announced the following roster moves

– Placed LB Blake Cashman and RB Ty Chandler on IR

– Signed WR Tim Jones and TE Nick Vannett to the active roster

– Signed CB Tyrek Funderburk and LB Sione Takitaki to the practice squad pic.twitter.com/9fHul4ugqP

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 11, 2025

#Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said Ty Chandler actually got hurt on his first kickoff return of the game, but played through it the rest of the way. He didn’t say anything to the medical staff about it until the second quarter. “That guy is just gritty as they…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 11, 2025

Cashman landing on injured reserve is an especially bad blow, but just as with Chandler, it wasn’t unexpected. On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell all but told us this would happen, when he met with media for the first time this week.

The former Gopher out of Eden Prairie underwent an MRI after Monday’s game that revealed a significant hamstring injury. He pulled up chasing down Caleb Williams in Week 1 and never returned to the game. Chandler’s injury (knee) was less noticeable, but obviously just as severe.

Meanwhile, the mysteriously sick Harrison Smith continues to ramp up in hopes of making his 2025 debut on Sunday night. The same can be said for Christian Darrisaw, as both veterans are expected back this weekend.

Vikings backfield and secondary dealing with lots of injuries

Zavier Scott, who looked to outplay Chandler during the preseason, could quickly step into the return game. Rookie Tai Felton has experience there, and Isaiah Rodgers is someone that has been previously mentioned as a fit too. Of course, including Rodgers on another unit with the cornerback room already thin would be a risk.

Jeff Okudah was carter off at the end of the game and is now in concussion protocol. Minnesota signed Tyrek Funderburk to the practice squad, but it would be veteran Fabian Moreau who is elevated if he needs to miss time. Realistically, four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster was always a problem waiting to happen.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/HfE02tq1uy

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 11, 2025

The linebacker duties vacated by Blake Cashman will be difficult to make up. He wore the green dot and, despite his injuries, has been a strong player when healthy. Minnesota can turn to Eric Wilson or put Dallas Turner in an expanded role.

Related: MN Vikings Bludgeoned by Week 1 Injuries

Josh Oliver also missed practice on Wednesday, and veteran Nick Vannett being brought back makes sense. He’s a seven-year veteran and played in 17 games for the Titans last season. Oliver players behind T.J. Hockenson in more of a blocking role, and Vannett can assume that position as well.

There will never be a season in which injuries don’t happen in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings would have loved to see less of them in Week 1 despite the win. Now they’ll need to rally around the next man up.

That performance by J.J. McCarthy was the stuff of legend. He stepped in and showed maturity well beyond his years. It’s something that head coach Kevin O’Connell will look to parlay into more success this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the victory didn’t come without sacrifice.

Veteran safety Harrison Smith practiced last week, as did left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Neither star player, however, got enough lead up time on the practice field to make it onto the active roster for Monday’s opener.

Smith’s health problems stem back to some sort of mysterious illness that we still haven’t gotten any details on. Darrisaw has been trending positively for weeks, but was held out of action too.

Multiple Vikings in danger of missing additional time

Unfortunately, it was the new names that hit Minnesota’s injury report on Wednesday. Neither Blake Cashman or Ty Chandler will play this week. Jeff Okudah and Andrew Van Ginkel are both in concussion protocol.

Kevin O’Connell provides injury updates:

– Blake Cashman and Ty Chandler will miss time
– Jeff Okudah and Andrew Van Ginkel are in concussion protocol
– Harrison Smith and Christian Darrisaw continue to ramp up
– Zavier Scott and Elijah Williams will return to practice this week pic.twitter.com/QNVBffQgFl

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 10, 2025

We knew that Cashman was injured during the game. He was in pursuit of Caleb Williams and appeared to come up lame. He then went to the medical tent and remained out of action the rest of the way. It sounds like the injury is a substantial one, and that’s tough for a guy who has missed so much time over his career.

Jeff Okudah was carted to the locker room after the game. Minnesota’s non-existent cornerback depth would drop to just three players if he is unable to go.

Related: JJ McCarthy’s Legendary Moment in Vikings Huddle Shook Teammates, Sparked Comeback

Andrew Van Ginkel played 61-of-67 defensive snaps on Monday night and was the fifth-highest graded defender on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster. He nearly had a pick-six on a tipped pass and was flying everywhere.

Where or when he sustained a possible concussion is uncertain. Minnesota has a short week having played Monday night, and they’ll need to hope that some of these players return to practice as the week goes on.

Injury report made official for Minnesota

Minnesota did not actually practice on Wednesday, but instead held a walkthrough, which requires a simulated injury report where teams must reveal whether or not a player would have practiced, had a practice been held.

Oftentimes, especially under head coach Kevin O’Connell, early-week practice reports have more names on them than those later in the week. Football is a tough sport, at the end of the day.

After revealing some of the more severe injuries coming out of week one, KOC hinted at other players being listed with (hopefully less-demonstrative) health issues of their own: “we’ve got some other guys dealing with bumps and bruises that may show up on the injury report”.

The #Vikings have released their first injury report of Week 2. pic.twitter.com/DU7zidiZ57

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 10, 2025

Related: Minnesota Vikings Rookie Dominates in Debut

It didn’t stop the injury report from being a gauntlet of a who’s who. O’Connell indicated that the players he didn’t mention earlier weren’t as much of a concern. Those additions, judging from his tone in the video above, are more precautionary and trying to overstate the situation.

Thursday’s injury report will be telling, and Friday could be damning. We know that there are a few names included who are for sure going to miss serious time. We need to know that there are others who will be ready to rock when kickoff comes at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday night.

Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reports that Flores and the Vikings learned Nacua would play against Minnesota just four hours before Thursday Night Football kicked off on Oct. 24. That obviously won’t be the case this time around, and the defensive game plan should reflect that. The Vikings lost that Thursday Night Football game in Los Angeles 30-20.

Brian Flores said the Vikings found out about four hours before the first Rams game that Puka Nacua was going to play, adding they were “a little bit surprised that he was out there” and saying there was “a little bit of scrambling” to prepare for the fact he’d play.

The Rams,…

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 7, 2025

Puka Nacua damage vs. the Minnesota Vikings

Nacua played a pivotal role in the win over the Vikings, catching seven of nine targets for 106 yards. Nacua led the Rams in receptions and yards, but quarterback Matthew Stafford also spread it around. He hit nine different receivers and finished the game 25-of-34 with 279 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.

Brian Flores admitted that the late notice of Puka Nacua’s activation from the injured reserve list forced him and his defensive staff into some last-minute adjustments. This scramble to adapt their game plan on such short notice proved costly for the Vikings’ defense, as they struggled to contain Nacua’s impact on the game. The unexpected addition of the wide receiver to the Rams’ lineup threw off the rhythm and preparation that Flores typically prides his unit on, leading to a less than optimal performance on defense.

Vikings Defense vs Rams without Blake Cashman

The Rams torched the Minnesota Vikings in the middle of the field while defensive leader, linebacker Blake Cashman was out with a turf toe injury. Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams ran 23 times for 97 yards and caught five of seven targets for 19 yards in Cashman’s absence. Much of those runs and receptions were in the middle of the field, where Cashman is normally patrolling.

A simple search through the play-by-play summary reveals that the Rams targeted the middle of the field 20 times over 66 total plays, including 32 which stayed on the ground. That helped Los Angeles control the ball for over 33 minutes of the total game.

There will be no surprises on Monday night as both teams will have had a full week of rest and preparation this time around. Expect to see the best of both offenses, with McVay and O’Connell likely to showcase their strategic prowess. On the other side of the ball, look for Brian Flores and his Minnesota Vikings defense to come out with a much-improved effort, having learned from their previous encounter with Nacua. This game could very well hinge on the defensive adjustments and how well each team can counteract the other’s offensive schemes.