The Minnesota Vikings are heading into Week 10 with more questions than answers, and the injury report is doing little to calm things down.
After a Monday night loss to the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota turned its attention to the Green Bay Packers, with the matchup carrying a different feel than the one these teams played in Week 1. The Vikings won that game under Kevin O’Connell, and they did it despite getting only 11 snaps from Kyler Murray before he was concussed. This time around, the health picture is much murkier.
Wednesday’s estimated report already came with a long list of non-participants, and Thursday didn’t bring much relief. Blake Cashman, TJ Hockenson, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Jauan Jennings, Kyler Murray, and Kyle Van Noy were all listed as DNPs on Wednesday, and none of them practiced again on Thursday.
That leaves Minnesota staring at some real depth concerns, especially on offense. If Hockenson can’t play, it would be a brutal hit for a tight end room that has already been thinned out by Josh Oliver being done for the year.
The only other tight ends on the active roster are Ben Yurosek and Gavin Bartholomew, and the Vikings did not bring in another tight end before Tuesday’s trade deadline. Dallas Goedert also remained in Philadelphia.
In the trenches, Ingram-Dawkins’ status matters too. Losing him would create another hole, and with Caleb Banks a healthy scratch against Buffalo, Minnesota could be forced to lean on a player it hasn’t been using much if another starter can’t go.
Jennings’ absence has already had ripple effects. It opened the door for Odell Beckham Jr. to be added to the active roster, though he played only two snaps and is now back on the practice squad.
As for the quarterback situation, Kirk Cousins is likely to start on Sunday regardless of how much Kevin O’Connell tries to keep that under wraps. The bigger mystery is how much of the rest of the roster will actually be available when the Vikings line up against Green Bay.
In Other News...
Vikings Came Closer To Another Quarterback Move Than Fans Realized
The Vikings were closer to another quarterback swing before the trade deadline than most fans realized, checking in on San Francisco backup Mac Jones before deciding the cost was too rich. It was the kind of due diligence teams do when they are weighing depth, insurance and the possibility that a veteran passer could help stabilize a room, especially with the deadline always forcing front offices to make quick judgments about value.
Kyle Shanahan said multiple teams had interest in Jones, who has settled into his role with the 49ers and says he is happy to stay put while preparing to play if called upon. For Minnesota, the interest is another reminder that the search for quarterback help can surface in unexpected places, and Jones is still expected to reach unrestricted free agency after the season. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Could Bring A Very Different Backfield Into Vikings Week
Green Bay may be headed into Vikings week with a very different look in the backfield. Josh Jacobs is out for Week 10 after surgery on a broken finger, and his absence could stretch beyond the Packers bye in Week 11, forcing the team to reshuffle a rushing attack that has leaned on him heavily.
ESPNs Jeremy Fowler reported that Kaleb Johnson could be the next man up, with the former Steelers draft pick in line for a bigger role after his Week 9 showing against New England. Johnson ran 14 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in that game, and the Packers may use the matchup with Minnesota to see whether he can handle a longer stretch as the lead option. [Read more 🡒]
JJ McCarthy Weighed In On Kirk Cousins Vikings Return
Kirk Cousins return to Minnesota has already stirred up plenty of reaction, and JJ McCarthy was among the former Vikings figures asked to weigh in. Now the Giants quarterback, McCarthy was drafted by Minnesota before his path changed, so his perspective carries a little extra weight even as he settles into his own situation in New York. He kept the focus respectful, offering well wishes for Cousins and acknowledging the ties Cousins still has to former teammates in the Vikings locker room.
McCarthy also made clear where his attention needs to be now, pointing the conversation back to the Giants and their upcoming games. For Minnesota, Cousins return adds another layer to a familiar storyline, with a quarterback who knows the organization well stepping back into the picture and drawing interest from people who used to be part of it. McCarthys comments were brief, but they underscored how much the Vikings quarterback history still resonates even beyond the building. [Read more 🡒]