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.

Starting center Ryan Kelly practiced in a limited fashion for the first time this week, as did right tackle, Brian O’Neill. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their linemate, Christian Darrisaw, who was listed as a DNP for the second-straight day, along with DT Javon Hargrave.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/Hagt76QySD

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 18, 2025

If we have learned anything this season, when it comes to Darrisaw’s weekly routine — as he continues his recovery from season-ending knee surgery last October — it’s that Wednesday is a non-negotiable non-practice day, whether he winds up playing that weekend or not.

The more telling injury report all season has been the second one, which is embedded above for week 16. So when Christian Darrisaw didn’t practice Thursday afternoon, it put his status for Sunday up in the air for the second-straight week.

Christian Darrisaw refuses to talk with reporters

Naturally, MN Vikings reporters approached CD in the locker room after practice, with questions regarding his status vs New York and whether or not he plans to play again this season.

They did not get any answers, though. That’s because Darrisaw turned down the interview request and told reporters that he could not answer questions on his likelihood to play Sunday, or the two games remaining on the schedule after.

Christian Darrisaw said he preferred not to talk today when approached in the locker room. He said he couldn’t answer a question about whether he will play again this season. https://t.co/CGCbYA5A5h

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 18, 2025

After these tweets were sent out, it seems HIGHLY unlikely we will see Christian Darrisaw suit up against the Giants. While the Vikings’ playoff hopes are dead, the health of their offensive line remains a major nuisance for O’Connell, his coaches and Minnesota’s scouting staff.

Minnesota Vikings need Darrisaw to properly evaluate McCarthy

Because after three more games, they have to hit the pause button on live-action for six months. And when that happens, this organization will have to decide, yet again, what they are going to do at quarterback, going into 2026.

It’s difficult to do that successfully, however, when you have such a small sample size to work with, like the Vikings have with McCarthy. You want to see more before making franchise-altering decisions.

Related: Insider Suggests MN Vikings Land Big Name QB

Unfortunately, that’s just not reality in the NFL. Ready or not, this league chugs along with or without you. So there is no choice. And that has to be the frustrating part of Darrisaw’s inability to stay on the field.

How can they get a good read on JJ McCarthy, if they don’t have a starting left tackle in place to protect his blindside? Because from the looks of it, CD may not make it back before the start of next season.

We know the Minnesota Vikings are going to bring in a veteran QB for 2026… but it’s yet to be determined what caliber of quarterback the new guy will be. Is O’Connell so over the young QB experiment that he begs Kwesi to swing big… say, for Joe Burrow?

Or, are we looking at another 2024 offseason scenario, where KOC is in search of an underachieving young veteran, who could be competent if things go right, but could also be pushed by McCarthy, if the redshirt rookie does indeed take positive steps in his development, entering 2026?

If the Vikings are trying to find Sam Darnold 2.0, then maybe they have their targets set on another 49er rehab project, in Mac Jones? For now, however, Minnesota coaches and executives are better off staying in the moment.

Because what this team needs, in the present, is a VERY good look at JJ McCarthy. And to do that, they need competent offensive line play, a dream that’s been hard to realize for much of the season.

Christian Darrisaw returns to MN Vikings practice

That’s why it was so worrisome on Thursday, when the Vikings’ best offensive lineman — Christian Darrisaw — missed practice for the second-straight day, as he continues to work his way back from midseason surgery that ended his 2024 season.

His absence earlier in the week meant that, if Christian wasn’t practicing at some capacity or another on Friday, he was extremely unlikely to play in Arlington on Sunday Night Football. Thankfully, the 26-year-old did return to the TCO Performance practice fields today, thought it was in a “limited” fashion.

Final #MINvsDAL injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Ty Chandler* and Christian Darrisaw

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/O6Sga4gVSt

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 12, 2025

Related: Cowboys Star Cleared for MN Vikings Game

O’Connell told media at his press conference on Friday that the Minnesota Vikings are hopeful Christian Darrisaw will be able to start Sunday night, but that they have to see how his knee responds to today’s limited practice, following treatment.

Darrisaw has started 10 of the Vikings’ 13 games this season, after sitting out the first two. Still, the process has been anything but clean. Christian hasn’t practice on a Wednesday all season and has been a staple on the weekly injury reports.

He’s also pulled himself out of games, when he’s personally felt like like he’s putting too much strain on that surgically repaired knee.

Vikings trying to figure out their future QB situation

With or without their stud left tackle, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing for what should be a huge game this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. And technically, a win could keep their playoff hopes alive.

Unfortunately, if either the Lions (vs Rams) or Bears (vs Browns) win this week, then even victory at Jerry World won’t stop the Vikings them from being mathematically eliminated from the 2025 postseason.

Related: Vikings News: Jordan Addison Bodycam Arrest Footage Surfaces

Nonetheless, there are a ton of reasons to watch on Sunday night — and for the final four games of the regular season — most of which stem from the quarterback position, which is undoubtedly this organization’s No. 1 focus as we finish out the disappointing year.

Having Christian Darrisaw protecting JJ McCarthy’s blindside against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football would be a good place to start.

For the 4-6 Vikings, it’s a must-win game if they want any hope of remaining in the playoff race, going into week 13. But the 6-3-1 Packers are in the same boat, if they want to keep up with the division-leading Chicago Bears.

As has been the case since pretty much since the end of their week 6 bye, the MN Vikings continue to get healthier. In fact, only two Vikings starters have been limited at practice this week due to injury, OLB Jonathan Greenard and RG Will Fries.

MN Vikings Final Week 12 Injury Report: Fries in, Greenard and Kelly questionable

On Friday, Minnesota’s final injury report of week 12 was released and Fries was no longer on it, meaning the 27-year-old offseason free agent signing is good to go vs the Packers. Greenard, meanwhile, was listed as questionable, along with center Ryan Kelly, who hasn’t played since week 4 in Dublin.

Final #MINvsGB injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly*

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/Y1myus9hS2

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 21, 2025

Second-year OLB Dallas Turner played pretty well against Chicago last weekend, in the absence of Jonathan Greenard. But the MN Vikings defense is a shell of itself without one of its three core linebackers, Greenard, Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman — all of whom have missed time this season.

Jonathan Greenard has struggled to bring down opposing quarterbacks in 2025, posting just two sacks in 9 games played. This, after racking up 12 sacks in 2024. Still, the 28-year-old holds a 70.0 pass rush grade (PFF) on the season, and leads the Vikings in pressures with 27.

Jonathan Greenard, Ryan Kelly both expected to play vs Packers

And while he is listed as questionable on the injury report, Greenard told Emily Leiker (Star Tribune) on Thursday that, regardless of what the injury report says, he’s “super confident” he’ll be active Sunday in Lambeau.

Greenard said after practice he’s feeling “good” and that he’s “super confident” he will be able to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Emily Leiker – Star Tribune

And while the Minnesota Vikings have yet to officially activate Ryan Kelly, he was a full participant in practice all week, and he’s fully cleared to play. On top of that, the Vikings waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern on Thursday, and have yet to fill his spot, which is expected to be waiting for Kelly’s activation.

In other words, it seems more than likely that both of “questionable” Vikings players from Friday will be active and starting against the Green Bay Packers later this weekend. Of course, we will not know for sure until the active/inactive lists come out two hours prior to game time on Sunday.

Ryan Kelly was a full participant for the third straight day, as he prepares for his return on Sunday. The #Vikings will have to activate him from injured reserve by tomorrow, but they’ve kept Dwight McGlothern’s roster spot open for him. pic.twitter.com/0Jo6kOaEg5

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 21, 2025

In week 11, the MN Vikings are focused No. 1 on stopping Bears quarterback Caleb Williams from taking over the game Sunday, like he nearly did week one, if not for JJ McCarthy’s miraculous fourth quarter comeback at Soldier Field, one of a few bright spots the redshirt rookie has enjoyed in 2025.

Minnesota Vikings down an OLB again

During the season opener, when these two teams met for the first time, Minnesota struggled to corral Williams even with both stud outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on the field.

On Sunday, unfortunately, they’ll have to find a way to slow the 2024 No. 1 overall pick without Greenard, who missed his third-straight practice of the week Friday, before he was officially ruled out on the Vikings final week 11 injury report.

Final #CHIvsMIN injury report

OUT: Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly*

*Currently in 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/mC61cSdtqq

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 14, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Superstar Calls on Year 3 Jets to Return

Beyond Ryan Kelly and the aforementioned Greenard, the Vikings are looking a lot healthier than their early-week injury report would have foretold. That means JJ McCarthy was able to practice in full today with his injured hand. That’s good because nobody needs a rebound performance more desperately than he does.

Thankfully, Minnesota’s offense that has the easier task this weekend against the Bears. Offensively, this should be one of the Vikings’ easier tasks in recent weeks. Chicago ranks near the bottom of the NFL defensively, allowing the 6th most yards against and 5th most points against this season, among all 32 teams.

Not just to beat the Chicago Bears this weekend, but if the MN Vikings are going to have any realistic shot at climbing back into a stacked NFC playoff picture. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will have to play-call better too.

Minnesota Vikings could get right vs shoddy Bears defense?

More notably, the Bears have been at their worst against the pass, where teams have piled up 2.2 touchdowns per game through the air, 4th most in the league. They’ve also allowed the 7th most pass yards of any NFL defense this season, at 240.3 YPG.

Hey guys so I miss when the Chicago Bears had a good defense

— Maddie (@baddiemaddie43) November 9, 2025

Of course, that doesn’t mean McCarthy will suddenly morph into his idol Tom Brady Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. He should look a lot better than he did last week though. If he doesn’t then the fallout from that is worth its own article.

But even if McCarthy & Co. do get right against the Chicago Bears, it’ll be up to a now-depleted Minnesota Vikings defense to keep a surging Chicago offense down well enough for the offense to keep up. Remember, only one team is still trying to take the training wheels off of its 2024 first round QB.

Can they do that without Greenard like they haven’t been able to this season without Van Ginkel or Blake Cashman, when they have been out with injury? I guess we will soon find out.

When the first official injury report of week 11 dropped a couple of hours later, the redshirt rookie quarterback was listed as “Limited” along with 11 other teammates, nine of whom also practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.

Minnesota Vikings initial week 11 injury report is a lot

Many of the names are familiar. Christian Darrisaw, for example, was listed as a full participant, as has been the case most weeks. More than likely, he will be a DNP on Thursday, like we’ve seen all season.

Other starters who landed on the initial week 11 injury report include (RG) Will Fries, Aaron Jones, Harrison Smith (rest), Josh Metellus and both EDGE rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, along with center Ryan Kelly.

Ryan Kelly returns to practice

Prior to practice, Kelly had his 21-day practice window opened. The 32-year-old former first round pick was placed on injured reserve October 4 with the second concussion of his season.

He and the MN Vikings are sparing no precaution. This afternoon, Kelly wore a different helmet and could even wear a guardian cap over his new headwear, for additional protection

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said Ryan Kelly will be wearing a new helmet, a Guardian cap. https://t.co/gXHltuqpEg

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 12, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Land New Cornerback

Many wondered whether he would come back to football at all, being he’s no suffered five documented concussions since being drafted into the NFL nine years ago (2016). The Minnesota Vikings offensive line, as it was assembled over the offseason, has yet to play one snap together in 2025.

But after Kelly’s practice window was opened up on Wednesday, it looks like that streak over over 10-straight games to start the season without a healthy o-line could be on the verge of ending. If not this week, then possibly as soon as week 12.

Per usual, Thursday’s injury report will give us a much better idea of who may or may not be ready to play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. If JJ McCarthy can’t go, we will see the NFL debut of Max Brosmer, though head coach Kevin O’Connell is doing his best to avoid those concerns.

Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver, who both missed the Lions game, didn’t practice. Neither did Harrison Smith (rest). Theo Jackson was a DNP too, after suffering a concussion that was diagnosed Monday.

CJ Ham, however, returned to the practice field in a limited fashion, as did Josh Metellus and Jalen Redmond. Will Fries (calf) also showed up for one of the first times all season, as limited. But on Thursday, the outlook got a little bit brighter in multiple spots.

Week 10 Injury Report: Minnesota Vikings get healthier Thursday

Will Fries was a full participant today, as was Metellus and Smith. Jackson moved to the next stage of concussion protocol, as he too was a limited participant, after taking yesterday off.

Unfortunately, Okudah and Oliver remain out. As has been the case for most of the season, Darrisaw was a DNP on Thursday, after putting in a full day of practice on Wednesday.

Related: Asante Samuel Jr Visit is Not What You Think…

The 4-4 Minnesota Vikings will play against Lamar Jackson and the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, looking to pull off their second upset victory in as many weeks. JJ McCarthy will make the fourth start of his NFL career and second since returning from an ankle injury he suffered week two.

This week 10 matchup is at U.S. Bank Stadium, yet the Ravens come in as -4.5 point road favorites, showing just how up against the odds Minnesota really is in this matchup. If the Vikings are going to stand any chance of another surprise victory, they will need all hands on deck, just like they had in Detroit.

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.

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.

Instead of trying to catch up on sleep, though, the Vikings took a different approach — moving quickly to get players into their hotel rooms and out onto the practice field ASAP. The objective was to make it through the first day of the trip without sleeping off the time change.

And just like the game time later this weekend, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. (CDT), the Vikings’ Dublin-timed itinerary Friday meant earlier than normal updates from practice, back in the states..

Final MN Vikings injury report (week 4): Andrew Van Ginkel – OUT

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the positive news we Minnesotans were waiting next to the mailbox for. Andrew Van Ginkel missed practice for the third-straight day, and has been ruled out vs the Steelers. Nobody should be surprised by today’s official announcement, but it’s undoubtedly disappointing.

On the bright side, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave — who the Vikings signed this offseason as a feature free agent — practiced in-full on Friday and enters the weekend without an injury designation. He had been limited at practice all week.

#MINvsPIT final injury report

OUT: Donovan Jackson, J.J. McCarthy, Andrew Van Ginkel and Ben Yurosek pic.twitter.com/HGfsT1bqAE

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 26, 2025

Andrew Van Ginkel’s absence from the active roster on Sunday will be his second in four games. Last week, he was limited to just 8 snaps, which he used to attain his first two sacks of 2025. No doubt, Aaron Rodgers will sleep easier tonight, after he threw a pick-six to Van Ginkel in London last season.

The Minnesota Vikings will now rely more on Dallas Turner to provide them talent on the edge defensively vs Pittsburgh. Drafted with the No. 17 overall pick in 2024, Turner is coming off what might have been his best game as a pro, against the Bengals — 34 snaps, 5 tackles, 4 QB hurries, 1 QB hit, 66.7 PFF Grade.

Dallas Turner had a great game on Sunday in all facets. He's doing everything well, and his instincts are improving each week pic.twitter.com/PeqxbWZThX

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) September 22, 2025

In theory, the MN Vikings intentional approach to avoid sleep today should make players and coaches extra-tired before hitting their hotel pillows tonight.

The hope is that they wake up feeling refreshed on Saturday, for what they hope will be a normal (as possible) day-before-game routine. It’s the same type of approach they took to their one-weekend London trip in 2024.