Vikings-Lions First Injury Report: Key Names Missing as Thursday Clash Looms
With the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions set to square off in a crucial Thursday matchup, the first injury reports of the week are in-and they’re already raising eyebrows. Both teams are coming off walkthroughs rather than full practices, so these early designations are more estimations than concrete statuses. Still, there’s plenty to unpack here, especially with several high-impact players listed as non-participants.
Detroit Lions Injury Report: Key Playmakers Sidelined Early
Did Not Participate (DNP):
- OT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
- DB Avonte Maddox (back)
- WR Amon-Ra St.
Brown (knee)
Limited Participants:
- OL Trystan Colon (wrist)
- DL Marcus Davenport (shoulder)
- C Graham Glasgow (knee)
- WR Tom Kennedy (abdomen)
- G Christian Mahogany (fibula)
- OT Giovanni Manu (knee)
- DT Alim McNeill (abdomen)
- DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee)
- DB Amik Robertson (hand)
For Detroit, the most concerning name on this list is Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions’ offensive engine has been battling through injuries before, but a knee issue this late in the season is worth monitoring closely. He’s been the heartbeat of their passing game, and without him, Jared Goff’s options narrow significantly.
Taylor Decker’s absence also looms large. The veteran left tackle is a stabilizing presence on the edge, and his potential absence could force Detroit to shuffle the offensive line-never ideal in a short week.
The Lions’ injury list is long, and while some of these players may still suit up Thursday, the sheer volume of limited participants tells us this team is feeling the wear and tear of a long season. With playoff hopes still flickering, expect Detroit to push hard to get as many of these guys ready as possible.
Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Big Names, Big Concerns
Did Not Participate (DNP):
- TE T.J.
Hockenson (shoulder)
- C Ryan Kelly (concussion)
- RB Jordan Mason (ankle)
- QB J.J.
McCarthy (right hand)
- OT Brian O’Neill (heel)
Limited Participants:
- RB Aaron Jones (ankle)
- DL Javon Hargrave (thigh)
- LB Eric Wilson (thumb)
Full Participants:
- TE Gavin Bartholomew (back)
- RB Ty Chandler (knee)
- LB Austin Keys (ankle)
Minnesota’s report reads like a who’s who of key contributors. T.J.
Hockenson is a major target in the passing game, and his shoulder injury is something to watch as the week progresses. Center Ryan Kelly remains in concussion protocol, and given the nature of that injury-and how long he’s been sidelined-it wouldn’t be surprising if he doesn’t return this season.
J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury has already been a hot topic, and it’s likely to stay that way.
The rookie quarterback’s availability is a major storyline heading into this game. Without him, the Vikings’ offense may need to lean even more heavily on the run game and short passing concepts to stay on schedule.
Speaking of the run game, Jordan Mason’s ankle injury could open the door for Ty Chandler. Chandler was a full participant and is eligible to be activated off injured reserve by Wednesday, which would be timely if Mason can’t go. That decision could come right down to the wire.
Brian O’Neill, who was a game-time decision last week, could be in the same boat again. His presence on the line is crucial, especially against a Detroit front that can bring pressure from multiple angles.
What’s Next
This is just the first look at the injury picture for both teams, and things can change quickly on a short week. But with both squads still technically in the playoff hunt, every player’s status matters just a little bit more.
We’ll be tracking updates throughout the week, especially on names like St. Brown, McCarthy, and Hockenson-players who could swing the outcome of Thursday’s game.
Stay tuned. This one’s shaping up to be a gritty, high-stakes divisional battle, and health could end up being the X-factor.