Beyond just the quarterback position, we have seen Minnesota trend in a positive direction on the injury front. Of course the time off over the bye can be credited for that, but the injury report brings plenty of players close to ready with questionable statuses.

Questionable tags litter Minnesota Vikings front lines

The offensive line has been the focus of multiple injury updates this season. That is no different this week, although the linebacker group gets in on the action as well.

Final #PHIvsMIN injury report

OUT: OLB Andrew Van Ginkel

QUESTIONABLE: Tyler Batty*, Blake Cashman*, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Michael Jurgens, J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill

*Returned to practice and currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/JT5OwFzxJv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 17, 2025

Both Michael Jurgens and Brian O’Neill are still among linemen working back towards full health. Jurgens had been out with a hamstring injury, and O’Neill suffered an MCL sprain against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin.

It’s possible that O’Neill returns to the starting lineup, replacing Justin Skule, but he will be a game time decision and require a brace if he is out there.

Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel remains out as he works through a neck injury, but inside linebacker Blake Cashman is expected back. Cashman has been out since Week 1, and his return could push Ivan Pace Jr. out of the starting lineup. Cashman will again assume green dot duties on defense.

Vikings make change at center

Minnesota started the season with veteran Ryan Kelly as their new starting center. Now having suffered two concussions in a matter of four weeks, the future of his career is in doubt. Michael Jurgens backed him up until he was off the field in London due to his hamstring injury. Now, after one career game at center, Blake Brandel is the starter.

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says Blake Brandel will start at center.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 17, 2025

Coming into Week 5 Blake Brandel had played 60 games in his professional career, and his 61st was the first one he played at center. It went well, so well in fact, he is now taking over for Jurgens.

It’s possible that Jurgens won’t actually be active on Sunday as he still has a questionable designation. However, the Minnesota Vikings gushed over Brandel’s play and believe in him enough to run it back this week.

It remains to be seen who is under center, and there is plenty of uncertainty regarding other key positions as well. While the Monday injury update provided some clarity, Wednesday brought the first injury report of the week.

Arguably the most questionable position on the field as we near the weekend is at quarterback, the most important in all of sports. But between Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy, the MN Vikings made it pretty clear who is healthier, and until further notice, more likely to play Sunday against the Eagles.

JJ McCarthy, other MN Vikings starters limited; not Carson Wentz

Wentz, who has been dealing with a non-throwing (left) shoulder injury he suffered overseas against the Cleveland Browns, was listed as a full participant on Wednesday, which was somewhat surprising since O’Connell said earlier in the week that he was likely to be limited.

Meanwhile, JJ McCarthy was limited, as he continues to work his way back from a high ankle sprain he suffered week 2. While it’s still possible that the redshirt rookie starts under center in four days, it’s seeming less and less likely with every day that goes by.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 7. pic.twitter.com/Ykyaf97FH7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 15, 2025

Blake Cashman and Michael Jurgens returning as full participants give them a clear runway to return on Sunday. Cashman has already been reported as a likely candidate to be back out there, while Jurgens could force Blake Brandel back to the bench.

Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill are also expected back this week, although both got in limited sessions. Andrew Van Ginkel is not a certainty, though the limited workload is seemingly better than his side field work on Monday.

There are plenty of storylines to observe here prior to Sunday’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. We will get another update following practice on Thursday.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on @cj_wentz's availability pic.twitter.com/48XDP5NSVd

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 15, 2025

“We’ll work through the week but he got some good work in Monday, at least feeling positive from a health standpoint to go through and throw as if he took a normal amount of throws. There wasn’t any throws he didn’t take because of it. There’s a layer of working through it, even though it’s his non-throwing shoulder.”

Kevin O’Connell

Now, the Vikings are staring down a Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be Minnesota’s sixth game of the season, and they still have yet to roll out the five original OL starters.

Unfortunately, that will not change any time soon, as we wait at least another three games for starting center Ryan Kelly to return from the injured list. It’s not all bad news, however, because the MN Vikings front five is getting healthier, out of the bye.

Blake Brandel may have found a new position on MN Vikings OL

In London two weeks ago, against the Cleveland Browns, both Kelly and his backup Michael Jurgens were on the shelf. That forced Blake Brandel — who hadn’t snapped a football in a game since grade school — to take over center duties.

How did it go… well, it depends on who you ask. But where it matters most, inside Minnesota Vikings facilities, he’s impressed enough to make coaches think twice before replacing him with Jurgens, even though he is now healthy.

Could Blake Brandel find a home at center after spending his NFL career at guard and tackle? Notable that Vikings OC Wes Phillips said: "The way Blake handled this game, I think we might be looking at a situation where this could be his best position of all five across the line."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 14, 2025

Brandel played all 65 offensive snaps against the Browns. It remains to be seen how Minnesota will use Brandel with Jurgens expected to be back this week, but clearly he’s made that decision very difficult, especially if Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson both return from their injuries.

The Vikings drafted Brandel as a tackle, and he has been used in that capacity behind both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Last year he started all 17 games for Minnesota at left guard. With Will Fries signed and Donovan Jackson drafted, Brandel moved back to a depth role.

Although Brandel has never established himself as a high-level starter, he has consistently been a quality backup that can play multiple positions. If the Minnesota Vikings believe center is his best position after such limited time there, he may have pushed his utility even further.

The Vikings are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday as they return to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time in four weeks.

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

JJ McCarthy back on the field for Minnesota Vikings

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

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 13, 2025

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

Kevin O’Connell

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

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

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

Blake Cashman eyeing return to Vikings defense

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

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 13, 2025

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

Kevin O’Connell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starters returning to practice for Minnesota Vikings

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

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

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

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

Return timeline for JJ McCarthy remains in flux

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

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

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

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

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

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

Carson Wentz is someone to monitor for Minnesota

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

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

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

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

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 6, 2025

Carson Wentz on the Vikings final drive of the game:

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

— Ted (@tlschwerz) October 6, 2025

No news on other injured Vikings isn’t ideal

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

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

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

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

This time around, the Vikings enter as the official “away” team and their health bar is far from 100%, as the injury reports seem to grow longer with every passing week.

Three backup linemen for Minnesota Vikings

On Friday morning/afternoon (CDT/GMT), Kevin O’Connell’s wounded warriors completed their final “full” practice of the MN Vikings’ 2025 international business trip. Immediately after, they dropped yet another frustrating injury report, the final one for week 5.

It’s now official. We’ll see three backups on the starting line Sunday. (LG) Donovan Jackson underwent surgery last week, to fix a surprise wrist injury. Then on Sunday against the Steelers, (C) Ryan Kelly suffered his second concussion in as many games and Brian O’Neill sprained his MCL.

Final #MINvsCLE injury report

OUT: Donovan Jackson, Ryan Kelly, Michael Jurgens, J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill and Andrew Van Ginkel

QUESTIONABLE: Tyler Batty*, C.J. Ham* and Ben Yurosek

*Returned to practice and currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/4yTyK4vkB0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 3, 2025

But it gets worse. Kelly’s backup at center, Michael Jurgens, is also out with a hamstring injury. That means Blake Brandel will start at center Sunday for the first time in his career.

The depth behind the starting group is virtually non-existent. We could also see recently signed tackle Matt Waletzko elevated from the practice squad. Vershon Lee and Henry Byrd are also options there. If activated, Byrd would be the only natural center Minnesota has on roster vs Cleveland.

Center will be the third position Blake Brandel has played on the Minnesota Vikings o-line, in the past three weeks. If O’Neill’s injury winds up lasting longer than Donovan Jackson’s return, we could see Brandel get reps at right tackle before the season is over.

Carson Wentz will start behind a MN Vikings offensive line that goes Christian Darrisaw, Joe Huber, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, and Justin Skule, from left to right. That’s nothing like the five-man combination we expected to start 2025.

JJ McCarthy fails to get on practice field

Also of note in the above injury report is J.J. McCarthy’s DNP. Head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at the return of a No. 9 red practice jersey this week in London, but that did not happen, which suggests his ankle isn’t as far along as the Vikings had hoped.

Minnesota has a Week 6 bye, following Sunday’s contest in Great Britain. While it’s still possible McCarthy returning for their return to play in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, remains to be seen.

Andrew Van Ginkel, who has been dealing with a neck injury, will miss his third game. There is concern around insider circles that he may not be ready out of the bye, either.

Browns may miss key starters vs MN Vikings

It’s not just the Minnesota Vikings that could be down a couple of key starters on both sides of the ball this week. Cleveland Browns head coach noted that his team could face similar challenges.

Starting cornerback Greg Newsome was added to the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant. It sounds like his injury could be something stemming from Cleveland’s last game, and became bothersome as the week went on.

LIVE: Coach Stefanski speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/NMJUThgQR3

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 3, 2025

Starting right tackle Jack Conklin is also going to be listed as questionable. He has an elbow injury that has kept him out since Week 1, and his practice sessions were just limited this week.

Cleveland is nowhere near as banged up as Minnesota is, but down a tackle and corner, there would be additional opportunity for the Vikings to exploit their opponent.

The two teams kick off on Sunday at 8:30 am central time.

The Vikings unit zoomed up the total cost rankings across the league as a whole, but veteran additions raised the overall water level too. Fast forward to where we are now and Minnesota has just two projected starters available for Week 5, and they don’t have a center left on the roster.

New center incoming for Minnesota Vikings

Ryan Kelly suffered a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers and left the game. It was his second concussion in a matter of four weeks, and would be six recorded during his career going back to Alabama. His backup, Michael Jurgens, appeared on the injury report with a hamstring issue Wednesday, and the team is now without a center on the roster.

That has led Kevin O’Connell to hold open tryouts ahead of their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns.

If Michael Jurgens can't play, the next center option is Blake Brandel. I recall him taking some practice snaps there over the years but not sure he's ever played center in a game. Rookie UDFA Joe Huber played a handful of snaps at center in college, and also in the Shrine game. https://t.co/M5W2b6jmil

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 2, 2025

The Vikings took Blake Brandel in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has since played in 60 games across his five seasons in the NFL. Not one of them has come at center, and none came at the position during his 48 collegiate games either.

“On Brandel, he spoke with reporters, it looks like today [Thursday] after practice. And, according to our friend Kevin Seifert of ESPN, he confirmed that while he has had a lot of practice reps at center over the past few years, he has never played the position in a game in his life. So that sort of tells you where things stand right now.”

Judd Zulgad – Purple Daily

It’s one thing for Carson Wentz to need a level of chemistry with Michael Jurgens. He had previously played with Kelly in Indianapolis and already had a relationship established. It’s entirely different for the quarterback to establish a cadence with a new center, and one that has never before played the position.

Snaps on Sunday against Cleveland will absolutely be something to watch. The center position is one that dictates the direction of the entire offense. Beyond just snaps though, false start, delay of game, and general consistency of the offense is all dictated by the correct understanding of when the ball needs to move.

Minnesota’s line was out of sync last week without Kelly, and things could understandably take a further step backwards on Sunday. How quickly Brandel can find a level of comfort may be the biggest key to victory.

MN Vikings offensive line in shambles

With Brandel needing to take over the center role, that means other positions on the line being in flux as well. Christian Darrisaw hasn’t practiced this week, but there isn’t any concern about his availability for Sunday. He and Will Fries are the only starters set to take the field as things stand now.

Undrafted rookie free agent Joe Huber is in line to start at left tackle. Brandel would be at center, and backup tackle Justin Skule will take over for Brian O’Neill on the right side. Skule struggled mightily while filling in for Darrisaw, and Huber has a whopping 12 total offensive snaps under his belt.

Although the Vikings signed Matt Waletzko on Wednesday, he is a tackle and doesn’t help the center depth. Henry Byrd is among the other practice squad linemen that could be elevated to supplement tackle Walter Rouse in case of another injury.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell will need to make sure he schemes the ball out of Carson Wentz’s hands quickly. There’s not a reason for O’Connell to think that the offense will be at its peak this week, but it’s a survive and advance mentality.

The hope is that Minnesota can best the Browns and then use the bye week to generate a new level of health. If that can play out, then there’s real hope for the rest of the season.

Last week Andrew Van Ginkel sat out his second game of the season for Minnesota. With a second-straight international game on deck, the concern now is the offensive line continuing to lose talent.

Thursday’s injury report only compounded Wednesday’s problems.

Nine Minnesota Vikings sidelined on Thursday

With time running out ahead of their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns, the injury report grew on Thursday. Eight players didn’t practice on Wednesday, and Dallas Turner bumped it to nine on Thursday.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/uY8iEi6qgD

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 2, 2025

It wouldn’t seem that Turner’s issue is long term. Being described as an illness, it’s likely he is back on the field tomorrow. However, if it is something that lingers, that would be a problem considering he is the top backup with Andrew Van Ginkel out.

Donovan Jackson is still recovering from his wrist surgery and will be out through the Week 6 bye. It doesn’t look like Brian O’Neill will be available Sunday either as he heals his sprained MCL.

The center position has taken a huge hit with both starter Ryan Kelly (concussion) and backup Michael Jurgens (hamstring) off the field. The Vikings don’t have another center on their active roster or practice squad, which would force Blake Brandel into the role for the first time in his career.

Cleveland is definitely a beatable team even with the injuries Minnesota is trying to overcome. They will be starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel for his NFL debut, and pass rusher Myles Garrett didn’t practice on Wednesday.

Minnesota can’t afford to overlook the Browns though. That defense is legit, and they already upset the Green Bay Packers earlier this season.

The Vikings and Browns are set to kick off at 8:30 am central time Sunday. Minnesota will hope to get a cleaner bill of health in the final days leading up to the contest.

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.