At the end of the day, a playoff appearance would have been great and undoubtedly would have given JJ McCarthy another opportunity to win over coaches and fans, had he somehow played well.

But even if the Minnesota Vikings would have found their way into the NFC postseason bracket, this team as currently constructed, is not capable of making it to a Super Bowl .

And the Vikings’ main problem is no secret. JJ McCarthy was not ready to be an NFL quarterback, an issue they must fix this offseason unless they want to be in the same spot again one year from now.

Even beyond McCarthy, however, the MN Vikings had a bunch of other problems in their locker room. The best way to describe it is from a health perspective… both on and off the field.

Yes, this team struggled with physical injuries that derailed 2025, especially on the offensive line. But all year long there have been rumblings of something even scarier — an unhealthy locker room.

Brian O’Neill firing strays at Christian Darrisaw…?

And in his exit interview this week with reporters at the Star Tribune, including longtime beat writer and insider Ben Goessling, team captain and offensive line leader, Brian O’Neill, seemed to have an alternative agenda he was determined to get to, even if it took a side-street or two to get it done.

When asked to review the play of the offensive line, as a whole, and specifically his immediate reaction to rookie Donovan Jackson, O’Neill used the opportunity to fire what appears to be a pretty deliberate stray at Christian Darrisaw and the well-compensated left tackle’s willingness to stay on the field

Hmm… is that Brian O'Neill calling out Christian Darrisaw for not trying hard enough to be on the field this season?

"As for the overall course of the offensive line, [Brian O'Neill] gave Donovan Jackson a lot of credit because he said, 'If you can play, you should play'."… pic.twitter.com/Otl8DAziDF

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 8, 2026

“As for the overall course of the offensive line, [Brian O’Neill] gave Donovan Jackson a lot of credit because he said, “If you can play, you should play”. You can take that how you’d like.

He said Will Fries is the guy that came off a broken leg last year and he’s the one that was on the field the most. So I give him credit for that. It was probably the best quote out of the locker room session.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast (Star Tribune)

Obviously, Darrisaw struggled to return from a midseason knee injury that cost him the second half of the season last year. By the end of 2025, he was back on IR. After we were sold on Christian being ahead of schedule on his recovery, we saw the opposite when practice reports started coming out.

No doubt MN Vikings leader is speaking to Darrisaw

The 26-year-old missed practices regularly every week, started only 10 of Minnesota’s 17 games this season, and half of them he left early, whether it was because he pulled himself out or because the coaches did. Of course, O’Neill doesn’t mention Darrisaw by name… but who else would he be talking about?

Center Ryan Kelly was the other offensive lineman who missed a lot of the season, but he’s the opposite case to his left tackle teammate. Most of us were begging Kelly to stop trying to play, after his season was lit on fire by repeated concussions.

Then there’s Will Fries (who played all 17 games for the MN Vikings this season) and the aforementioned Donovan Jackson (14 games), both of whom O’Neill praised. So, that leaves Darrisaw as the team Captain’s obvious target.

His weapon: The media.

That’s not how reality unfolded, however. After the MN Vikings were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, not even building on their current three-game win streak can save them.

To add injury to insult, JJ McCarthy is back on the shelf, this time recovering from a hairline fracture in his hand. So, instead of Vikings fans unwrapping a huge game with playoff implications on their TV, Christmas Day, they’ll get a mostly meaningless regular season game against Detroit.

A win would, however, end the (8-7) Lions’ hopes at making the playoffs. I, for one, would certainly feel a little bit better knowing Detroit fans will be living in the same non-playoff hell as us, come the new year.

Minnesota Vikings injury report sees SLIGHT change

And hanging in our stockings, Thursday afternoon will be coal Max Brosmer starting under center, protected by an offensive line without starters at LT, C and possibly RT, depending on the status of Brian O’Neill, who moved from “DNP” to “Limited” on the MN Vikings injury report Tuesday.

Tuesday's #Vikings injury report.

The team did not conduct an official practice so participation is an estimation. pic.twitter.com/R91ZADUOEm

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

In total, the Minnesota Vikings have 11 players listed on this week’s injury report. From Monday to Tuesday, only one player saw his designation change, and that was O’Neill. The rest, including four other DNP’s from yesterday, got the same designation today.

Out of those players who were limited or did not practice, eight are starters, if you include both Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, who split carries out of Minnesota’s backfield.

Of those eight starters, two — the aforementioned JJ McCarthy (hand) and Ryan Kelly (concussion) — have already been ruled out vs Detroit. The MN Vikings also activated running back/kick return specialist, Ty Chandler off injured reserve Tuesday.

Brett Rypien claimed off waivers

Returning to help guide Brosmer the rest of this week is familiar NFL journeyman quarterback, Brett Rypien, Who the Vikings claimed off waivers Tuesday afternoon, around the same time they released the updated injury report.

The #Vikings have claimed QB Brett Rypien via waivers. pic.twitter.com/cxhUt3OxYb

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

Rypien became available after he was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. That gave the Minnesota Vikings an easy opportunity to bring the 29-year-old veteran out of Boise State back to Eagan where he belongs.

Brett is valued inside the QB room at TCO Performance Center. Given their sudden depth issues at the most important position in sports, not only does he help provide more but his experience in the league will also help a young Max Brosmer be as prepared as possible for his second career.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Activate Young Running Back

It’s unlikely Brett Rypien — who has 11 appearances during his five-year NFL career — is active on Thursday, outside of being the emergency QB3. The expectation is that John Wolford will be Brosmer’s backup at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday.

If he does get forced into action for the Minnesota Vikings, whether it’s this week or next, Rypien would come in with 950 career passing yards (58.3% CMP), 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

Now, the 7-8 Vikings must turn around on four days rest, for a Christmas Day contest on Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Their NFC North rival enters the week 17 holiday contest fresh off a last-second home loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers that put the Lions’ playoff hopes on the ropes.

In fact, if the Vikings can find a way to victory vs Detroit, not only will it get them back to .500 and mark their fourth-straight victory, but it would officially pull the plug on their division rival’s playoff hopes.

J.J. McCarthy doesn’t practice, KOC skips media session

We do not know what McCarthy’s official diagnosis is yet, after he left Sunday vs the Giants early with a hand injury. On top of that, there was no practice held in Eagan Monday, and Kevin O’Connell did not meet with media like he normally does.

Tough way for JJ McCarthy to end his day… pic.twitter.com/OD3XWgqVJn

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 21, 2025

On Sunday, McCarthy threw for just 108 yards on 9-of-14 passing attempts and saw yet another tipped pass end up intercepted. The Vikings need to determine what their future looks like at quarterback, but that’ll be tough if their 2024 first round pick is on the sideline in street clothes.

In other words, a lot of fog still hangs over McCarthy’s injury and his status for Christmas Day. But Monday’s initial week 17 injury report — which had five total DNPs on it — may have told us everything we needed to know.

Because one of those DNPs was indeed J.J. McCarthy, which makes him very very very unlikely to play three nights from now. With only two practices between now and Christmas Day, there just isn’t enough time for the 22-year-old to recover and game plan for the Lions.

The #Vikings first injury report of the week.

The team did not conduct an official practice so participation is an estimation. pic.twitter.com/eryXao2vye

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 22, 2025

With McCarthy likely out, Max Brosmer is expected to make his second start of the season, with veteran John Wolford backing him up. The 25-year-old did show signs of hope during the second-half in New Jersey.

In all reality, it would be difficult for the former Gopher to play worse than he did in his NFL debut, a four-interception disaster out West against the Seattle Seahawks.

Depleted Minnesota Vikings O-line on tap for whoever plays QB

It would help, however, to have some beef back on his offensive line. Christian Darrisaw is already out for the season, and it’s likely that Ryan Kelly will join him after suffering the third concussion of his season.

If Brian O’Neill is also unavailable, it might not matter who is playing QB. At that point, Will Fries and Donovan Jackson would be the only remaining starters from an offensive line that the Minnesota Vikings front office invested heavily in this offseason.

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.