Garrett Bradbury to Start vs Giants; Harrison Smith Expected to Play Too

The Minnesota Vikings will continue to play shorthanded on the offensive line on Sunday vs the New York Giants, in the Wildcard round of the NFL Playoffs. But on Friday, Kevin O’Connell stepped up to the press conference podium at TCO Performance center and delivered some good news on that front.

Garrett Bradbury to Start vs Giants

Starting center Garrett Bradbury, who has been out for the last three weeks with a back injury, is off the injured list and will start this weekend. This is huge news for an offensive line that is already missing All-Pro right tackle, Brian O’Neill. Blake Brandel will start in O’Neill’s absence.

O’Connell said Garrett Bradbury will be full-go for the game. He will start at center, O’Connell said.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 13, 2023

Harrison Smith Expected to Play

That wasn’t the only important injury update that Kevin O’Connell brought to his presser on Friday. He was also asked directly about Harrison Smith, who is listed as “questionable” on the final injury report, with a knee injury.

KOC wasn’t willing to go quite as far on Hitman’s status for Sunday but did say he expects him to go as long as there aren’t any weird setbacks between now and then.

“I don’t have any reason to believe [Harrison Smith] wouldn’t be there but he’ll go in questionable just in case. We’ll see how he turns over from some good work today. I’m excited to get Harry back out there if everything goes according to plan.”

Kevin O’Connell – Friday Press Conference

Cam Dantzler is questionable, after missing all week due to a personal matter. Kene Nwangwu is also questionable.

#NYGvsMIN final injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Cam Dantzler, Kene Nwangwu (illness) and Harrison Smith

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 13, 2023

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan