But Monday morning, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, JJ McCarthy woke up searching for his thoughts. And when he entered TCO Performance Center, he was placed in concussion protocol. The Vikings claim they do not know when JJ’s head injury occurred, though that seems unlikely (keep reading).

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy reported some symptoms in regard to his head on the travel home. Evaluated last night. Training staff and doctors decided to put him in the protocol. He'll go through process this week.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 24, 2025

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell says that QB J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/BbhapR9TKT

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2025

McCarthy threw for just 87 yards against the Packers, completing 12 of 19 passes and throwing 2 interceptions (0 TDs). It was one of the worst performances in recent Minnesota Vikings QB history, reminiscent of legendary clunkers like “The Josh Freeman” and “Donovan McNabb Games”.

Minnesota Vikings claim ignorance on timing of JJ McCarthy injury

But does the kid QB’s head injury shed additional light on yesterday’s historically bad performance? The answer is no, because while the MN Vikings may be unwilling to tell us when exactly JJ McCarthy’s concussion occured on Sunday afternoon, anyone with a DVR can go back and find the exact play.

It happened with just over 5 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, when McCarthy scrambled for ten yards before being tackled by Green bay linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who led the Packers Sunday with 9 tackles, one of which clearly concussed Minnesota’s young quarterback.

The Vikings claim they do not know when JJ McCarthy suffered his concussion yesterday… 👀🫣 pic.twitter.com/ccEThk8cPD

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 24, 2025

Related: NFL Insider Says New QB Coming for MN Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have been very careful all season, when dealing with head injuries on their roster. Even so, they’ve still had multiple players dealing with recurring concussions.

Newly acquired center Ryan Kelly has spent most of the season watching from the sidelines or his own couch, after suffering two documented concussions between weeks 2 and 4.

Jeff Okudah has been out since October 23, after suffering his second head injury of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers. Thus, we can expect them to be extremely careful with young JJ McCarthy. And given how poorly he has played, the offense won’t be begging to get him back either.

Max Brosmer SZN…?

If indeed McCarthy cannot play against the Seahawks on Sunday, former Minnesota Gophers QB Max Brosmer will make his starting debut for the MN Vikings.

And if he does, I have no doubt fans will see a much different offense than what we did with the other kid QB under center. Honestly, it seems like the head coach knows that too.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has a ton of confidence in Max Brosmer if he needed to start in place of J.J. McCarthy on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RwYOYfKceY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2025

Related: Vikings Leave Green Bay Down Two More Linemen

Last year, in his only season as a Minnesota Gopher, Max Brosmer threw for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also set a school record for completion percentage, at 66.5%.

His strengths are pre-snap reads and quickly going through progressions, two categories that McCarthy was severely lacking. At 24 years old (241 days) Max is also nearly two full years older than 22-year-old (308 days) JJ.

Facing the Phoenix Suns in NBA Cup action last time out, Anthony Edwards’ 40-burger was wiped out by a pair of missed free throws and a poorly decided inbounds pass that wound up costing the Wolves a victory that seemed all but certain, even seconds before it wasn’t.

Now 10-6, there’s a lot that this team still has to figure out if it wants to make another deep playoff run in a stacked Western Conference. 2024 first round pick Terrence Shannon Jr. was expected to be a key rotational player entering the season, but he has been sidelined for the past three games with a bone bruise in his left foot.

Injured Terrence Shannon Jr cleared to play

With the Timberwolves in Sacramento Monday night against a bad Sacramento Kings team, however, the former Illinois Fighting Illini standout has now been cleared for action, and will go into the game with a “questionable” injury designation.

Terrence Shannon Jr. has been cleared for full-contact and will be listed as questionable for Monday's game against Sacramento.

Shannon has been out for the last three weeks with a bone bruise in his left foot.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) November 24, 2025

Terrence Shannon Jr. was last active on November 3 against the Brooklyn Nets. In seven games this season he has seen his minutes per game jump from 10.6 in 2024-25 to 16.4.

We haven’t seen the production come along with his increased time on the court, however, as the 25-year-old is averaging just 3.9 points per game on 32.1% shooting.

Minnesota opted against grabbing a playmaking point guard to pair with Mike Conley this offseason, in large part due to their budget constraints, hanging just below the second apron.

Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot to figure out still this season

Instead, Donte DiVincenzo joined the starting lineup as the on-paper point guard, while Anthony Edwards has taken on most of the ball-handling duties. It remains to be seen if Ant at the point will be sustainable, or if president of basketball operations Tim Connelly will get itchy before the trade deadline.

Through 16 games this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have feasted on inferior competition, while they’ve struggled against better teams.

Hopefully, getting Terrence Shannon Jr. back will help steady that ship, but he will have to play better than he did prior to injury, in order to have a positive effect on the rotation. We know the kid has it in him, because we’ve seen it.

Terrance Shannon Jr. ELEVATES for the slam 💥pic.twitter.com/ESgYmBJfV3

— Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) November 4, 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves made two first round picks last season, jumping up to take Rob Dillingham with the No. 8 overall pick, before snagging Shannon Jr at No. 27. So far, Dillingham looks like a bust, but he is young (20 years old).

If Connelly’s roster-building plan is going to work, as currently laid out, both Dilly and Shannon Jr. will have to look more like the first round draft picks they were selected to be. Otherwise, changes will need to be made. If not before the 2025-26 trade deadline, then likely during the offseason.

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

The Packers come into Sunday’s matchup with a 6-3-1 record. If they want to keep pace with division-leading Chicago Bears, then this contest is almost as important for Green Bay, as it is for the Vikings. Thankfully, the purple continue to get healthier, which should help their chances.

Minnesota Vikings give early week 12 injury updates

On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell brought more good news to the podium during his pre-practice press conference, where he told reporters gathered at TCO Performance Center that Jonathan Greenard will work out on his own today, before they chart a path forward for their starting outside linebacker.

Right after the Greenard update, KOC added a small but groundbreaking note on Ryan Kelly (concussion), revealing that the starting center will be a FULL participant at practice Wednesday. It’s the first time he’s been a full-go since suffering his latest head injury September 28 in London, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Jonathan Greenard will work off to the side today and we will update you guys on kinda where he is at, moving into tomorrow and Friday. Ryan Kelly should be a full participant.”

Kevin O’Connell – Wed, Nov. 19

From the sounds of it, this leads me to believe that Ryan Kelly is likely to be back on the field Sunday, in Green Bay. If true, it will be just the fourth time he’s been active, since signing with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason.

If everything goes as planned, it will also be the first time this starting o-line unit has played even one snap together, since being reconstructed in the spring.

Vikings o-line finally healthy…?

This, after starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed the beginning of this season recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2024. Other starters, including Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson, have also missed time due to injury, as have some of the Vikings depth options.

In fact, the only Minnesota o-lineman to play all ten games so far in 2025 is 27-year-old left guard, Will Fries, who missed all but five games in 2024 with the Colts due to a broken leg.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Ryan Kelly's status. pic.twitter.com/KoObncc1Fe

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 19, 2025

And as the line has gotten healthier, so has the play. Without a doubt, week 11 against the Chicago Bears was Vikings’ best as an offensive line. There were holes all over for both running backs and JJ McCarthy had more time and open receivers than he had poise.

Now, in week 12 against the hated Green Bay Packers, it appears the Minnesota Moving Company should be even better. Of course, what we see on paper isn’t always what unfolds on game day. So until then, we can only imagine how good things will be with all five healthy starters up front.

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.

It’s the battle of 2024 first round quarterbacks, as JJ McCarthy suits up for the second time this season against Caleb Williams. If the Vikings are going to steer their 2025 ship back in the right direction this weekend against Chicago, their redshirt rookie will have to play much better.

Minnesota Vikings QB has new injury

That shouldn’t be difficult, since he only completed 20-of-42 passes and threw two interceptions vs zero touchdowns. Of course, that was before he showed up to practice today wearing a bandage on his throwing hand.

According to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, McCarthy the bandage is there to protect an injury he sustained when he hit the helmet of a lineman throwing to Justin Jefferson in the endzone last weekend against the Ravens.

KOC went on to tell reporters that he doesn’t expect McCarthy’s new injury to affect his preparation this week. Of course, we’ve heard that before.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy will be wearing a bandage on his right hand this week in practice. Followed through on a throw, caught a lineman's helmet. KOC said he doesn't expect it to affect J.J.'s week of practice.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 12, 2025

Of all the minor injuries JJ McCarthy could have suffered going into the game, a cut on his right hand is at the top of my list for worst possible scenario. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to trust that O’Connell on the young quarterback’s status this week and weekend.

To make matters more concerning, JJ was seen throwing with his left hand at practice and held his right, newly injured hand, in his hoodie pocket during the entire interview he held with reporters this afternoon.

Related: MN Vikings Land New Cornerback

J.J. McCarthy, wearing padding on his bruised right hand, tossing left-handed today during warmups. If it’s a troll job, that’s pretty elite. pic.twitter.com/cLTOjcPGag

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 12, 2025

J.J. McCarthy did most of his presser with his hands in the hoodie pocket. He said he hit his right hand on a helmet on the incomplete throw to Justin Jefferson in the end zone in the third quarter. Said he definitely felt it but not an excuse for inaccurate passes. pic.twitter.com/6bYQOBTo5k

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 12, 2025

JJ McCarthy needs to turn things around vs Bears

If for some reason JJ McCarthy can’t go against the Chicago Bears, it would be former Gopher Max Brosmer under center in what is essentially a must-win game for the Minnesota Vikings if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive going into week 12.

So far this season, McCarthy has thrown for 692 yards on 53% passing for 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Not exactly the start to his NFL career that O’Connell and the Vikings offensive coaching staff were looking for when they made him the starter over multiple veteran options that are now succeeding elsewhere.

But against all odds, JJ McCarthy’s team needs him to take a step in his development Sunday at home vs the Bears. And a hand injury won’t stop the angry mob if he fails.

Last night’s game went went into the second period, 3-2. Before one minute had even gone off the clock, however, it was already 4-3, thanks to three goals in a matter of 46 seconds, to start the middle period.

The last two goals of the evening came off of Boldy (at 00:37), which tied it up at 3-3. Nine seconds later, Carolina took the lead back on Nikolaj Ehlers goal. It was the second of the night for both guys. And that’s where it stayed for the rest of the contest, even as Minnesota fought its way back in the Shots on Goal department.

beauty power play goal pic.twitter.com/oheyR8aRjY

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) November 7, 2025

Two goals in two games for Nikolaj 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rPRN9hErrq

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 7, 2025

At one point midway through the second period, the Wild were being outshot by the Canes 22-6. At that point the score was already 4-3. By the time the final horn sounded at the end of the third period, the score was the same but the SOG gap was down to 27-24.

Minnesota Wild getting Mats Zuccarello back?

Mats Zuccarello — who has missed the Wild’s first 15 games with a lower-body-injury — traveled with the team out east, but did not play on Thursday. The mysterious injury/surgery was sprung on media and the fanbase prior to training camp, but it sounds like the 38-year-old is ready to get back on the ice.

According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), Kirill Kaprizov’s partner in crime is expected to make his 2025-26 debut Friday night, when Minnesota plays the second of a back-to-back in the Metro Division, this time in Elmont, NY against the 6-5-2 Islanders. He was activated late this morning.

Mats Zuccarello activated off season-opening non-roster IR: expected to debut tonight for #mnwild

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) November 7, 2025

“Mats Zuccarello was with the Wild on this trip, as we reported earlier this week, and is likely to make his season debut Friday on Long Island against the Islanders. Zuccarello missed the first month of the season after having surgery on his lower-body injury.”

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Related: MN Wild Snag Insane OT Win in Controversial Fashion

The Minnesota Wild need Mats Zuccarello’s offense back, and the plan is for him to get back on a top line with Kirill Kaprizov. That should allow Matt Boldy to move off of his line for good, creating a much more balanced offensive attack up and down a lineup that’s been very top heavy, in Zuccarello’s absence.

And they need help on that side of the ice desperately. The season is still early, but the MN Wild have occupied the bottom of the Central Division standings for most of the season, thus far. If Zuccy can’t help change that in a big way, this is an organization that will have a lot of questions going into the NHL Trade Deadline later this season.

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.

But that frustration turned to hope on Wednesday, when it was reported that free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is scheduled to visit the Vikings in Eagan on Friday.

His stop at TCO Performance Center tomorrow is slotted between five other visits lined up around the league (Carolina, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, San Francisco and Chicago) over the coming days.

Samuel Jr., a 26-year-old former 2nd round pick, was cleared medically by independent doctors earlier this week to play football again, following a neck/spine injury that cost him most of 2024 and resulted in a rather controversial spinal fusion procedure over the offseason.

It'll be a busy couple weeks for Asante Samuel Jr. He's visiting the #Panthers today. After that, it's: #Packers (Thursday), #Vikings (Friday), #49ers (Monday), #Bears (Tuesday) and #Steelers (Wednesday). A thorough, methodical process. https://t.co/RZCbaBKHUd

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2025

Prior to his health scare/injury, Asante Samuel Jr. was one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL, piling up 6 interceptions and 37 passes defended during his four-year care

So when news of Samuel Jr’s visits first broke, there was a sense of optimism around Vikings Territory. Why not? If healthy, the Florida State alum would essentially fix just about every defensive issue they currently have. Of course, the injury caveat there is very important.

Asante Samuel Jr. visit is for medical, not contract purposes

And on Thursday morning, we found out just how crucial it is to the Samuel Jr conversation. While on with the Power Trip Morning Show on KFAN Radio this morning, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) reported that Asante Samuel Jr.’s visits are not what we originally thought they were.

According to the top league insider and Edina native, all of Samuel Jr’s visits are for medical purposes only. He is working out for team doctors and trainers, who will then decide if he is indeed healthy enough to warrant a possible signing.

“Asante Samuel Jr, the reason a player like that has a five or six team tour setup is medical. He needs to go in and get physicals in different places. Without getting too deep into the weeds on the nature of the injury, it is something very serious and very scary that he is coming back from.

He had a surgery and this is not an injury that a lot of doctors thought a surgery was going to be able to fully fix. So it’s not just a matter of his doctors clearing him, it’s a team medical staff clearing him. And when you’re talking about a neck issue, a spine issue, those are really sensitive kinds of topics.”

Tom Pelissero – Power Trip Morning Show (KFAN Radio)

Last week in Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings’ got interior pressure on QB Jared Goff that we had not yet seen during the Kevin O’Connell era.

It was that incessant pass rush vs the Lions which allowed a previously underwhelming Vikings secondary cover long enough for DT Javon Hargrave and the boys get home for five total sacks and 11 QB hits.

Minnesota Vikings coaches, execs won’t meet with Samuel Jr

But going forward, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backs will continue to be a problem, if they can’t find more help. If you are hoping that help will come in the form of Asante Samuel Jr., however, then you are banking an a process that still has a long way to go, even after this first round of medical visits.

According to Pelissero’s interview on KFAN, this six team medical tour will not include any meetings with head coaches or high-ranking executives. Again, teams just want to figure out if he is healthy enough to play football, before they even think about what it will take to sign him.

“[Asante Samuel Jr.] probably would have been probably the corner to get paid, along with the guys like Carlton Davis in this past free agency class, if he were healthy. The fact that it’s November and we’re talking about him taking a medical tour just shows you how significant this is.

It doesn’t mean the Vikings or someone else won’t sign him. I would just say that this isn’t him coming in and meeting the coaching staff and deciding where to go. This is these teams wanting to put him through a battery of tests and make their own determinations.

There’s 32 team doctors with 32 degrees of risk tolerance. Everybody is going to make their own judgement on this because it is something pretty significant.”

Tom Pelissero – Power Trip Morning Show (KFAN Radio)

Minnesota Vikings could use Asante Samuel Jr this weekend

The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to suit up for a week 10 – NFC vs AFC battle on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Lamar Jackson, who returned from injury last week to throw for 204 yards and 4 touchdowns in an easy 28-6 win over the dysfunctional Dolphins.

Jackson was forced to sit out for three games, due to the hamstring injury he suffered week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the five games he has started, the 28-year-old 2X NFL MVP has completed 72.9% of his passes for 1,073 yards, 14 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Oh, and he has rushed for 180 yards and 1 TD too.

Reated: MN Vikings QB Joins Mahomes and Marino in Rare Company

And on Sunday, Jackson will matchup against a MN Vikings defense that played its best game of the season last week in Detroit, a 27-23 upset victory against the division rival Lion, a high-powered offense that Brian Flores & Co. held to they held to just 116 yards passing, the Lions’ lowest air total on the season.

If they can maintain that going forward, there would be no need to sign an Asante Samuel Jr. But no matter what the Vikings tell us, they need help in the secondary and they know it. Unfortunately, we will have to wait patiently to find out if Samuel can help fix it. Then, we’ll talk about whether or not he actually will.