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.

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.

Set to square off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, it’ll be the Carson Wentz show for the fifth-consecutive game.

There wasn’t supposed to be a ton of ambiguity on the injury front, and it didn’t look like there would be after Tuesday’s practice.

But then Wednesday’s injury report reared its head and a surprise name was listed at the very bottom, stud left tackle, Christian Darrisaw.

The #Vikings final Week 8 injury report pic.twitter.com/LRP011ka49

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 22, 2025

Problems on the Minnesota Vikings O-line once again

The Minnesota Vikings offensive line has failed to stay healthy all season, through six games. In fact, they have yet to run out the group of five they invested a ton of money and draft capital into the past few years.

And according to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), the o-line is in danger of losing its best starter yet again against the Chargers.

Christian Darrisaw took regularly scheduled days off from practice before the bye and took himself out of the Browns game as he worked back from his ACL/MCL injury. But he played every snap vs. Eagles. If this were a rest day, the report would have said "not injury related." https://t.co/piXfi2H0iw

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 22, 2025

Both Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw played for the Vikings last week, after both had to sit games out earlier in the season.

O’Neill didn’t practice Tuesday, before returning in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Darrisaw went from not having a designation on Tuesday, to being a non-participant today.

Christian Darrisaw in real danger of missing TNF

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert is reporting that “Darrisaw needed some treatment this week on the knee after playing 69 snaps versus Eagles.” It’s not something that should linger long-term, but it could be an issue on the short week.

What I’ve gleaned from a few sources: Darrisaw needed some treatment this week on the knee after playing 69 snaps vs Eagles. (He actually said as much in the locker room Tuesday.) No huge concerns, but also no guarantee he can make the quick turn on the short week. TBD. https://t.co/BXZ9k0QnVC

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 22, 2025

If either (or god forbid) both MN Vikings tackles are going to miss the contest against the Chargers, then Carson Wentz could be in for a world of hurt tomorrow evening.

Christian Darrisaw already missed the first two games of the season, as he worked back from his 2024 season-ending knee injury.

C.J. Ham is already ruled out for Week 8. He returned in Week 5 after starting the year on the injured list. Ham played 12 offensive snaps last week against the Eagles, but won’t be available against the Chargers.

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.

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

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.

With the amount of players questionable to participate in practice this week, Minnesota signed hometown tackle Matt Waletzko and had him fly across the pond. He is currently a member of the practice squad, but that could change if the week doesn’t progress well for active roster talent.

Wednesday’s injury report doesn’t inspire a lot of immediate confidence.

Top two centers down for Minnesota Vikings

Christian Darrisaw has now been back for two weeks after the Minnesota Vikings gave him additional time to return from his knee surgery. Unfortunately he has yet to play with the complete intended offensive line and that won’t be changing any time soon. The first injury report of the week revealed he may be playing alongside a third string center too.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 5 pic.twitter.com/otdJtyftoI

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 1, 2025

Ryan Kelly is certain to be out this week as he works through the concussion protocol for the second time in four weeks. It’s his fifth recorded concussion in his playing career, and at some point the repeated brain injuries become a serious cause for concern.

That would make Michael Jurgens the next man up. He has started a game already this season in place of Kelly, but if he’s out, then things get really dicey. The hamstring injury is presumably a malady he suffered during the Steelers game, though he was able to play through it.

Minnesota’s depth chart doesn’t list a third center. With Justin Skule filling in for O’Neill at right tackle, and Blake Brandel assuming Donovan Jackson’s guard spot, options as a whole are limited. Tackle Walter Rouse, and undrafted rookie guard Joe Huber are the only other linemen on the 53-man roster.

The practice squad, beyond Waltezko, includes only two linemen in Henry Byrd (G) and Vershon Lee (OL). Lee is a rookie yet to appear in a game, and Byrd has one year of experience while making his regular season debut against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Week must progress positively for Minnesota

This is an important week of practice for Minnesota as they look to get healthier going into the bye. There is hope that J.J. McCarthy can run the scout team at the end of the week, and that would put him on track to return after the Week 6 bye. His athleticism can also help to mimic new Browns starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Both C.J. Ham and Tyler Batty had their practice windows opened. Batty is an edge rusher, so he won’t help on the offensive line, but with Andrew Van Ginkel out, addition help in the front seven is welcomed.

Minnesota elevated veteran tight end Nick Vannett from the practice squad for the game against Pittsburgh with Ben Yurosek out. He remains on the shelf to start the week, and another activation for Vannett would be the third and final time that can happen before he must be signed to the active roster.

It seems like the MN Vikings bye is coming at the perfect time. They just need to get through the Browns with a win, and healthy, before getting there.