As the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings gear up for their Sunday clash at U.S. Bank Stadium, both teams released their initial injury reports-and there’s plenty to unpack on both sides.
With postseason aspirations still alive, every snap, every player, and every ounce of availability matters. Let’s break down where things stand heading into the back half of the week.
Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Key Trenches in Question
The Vikings are dealing with a handful of issues up front, and that could be significant come Sunday.
Left guard Donovan Jackson did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle injury. That’s a position of concern, especially when you consider the Commanders’ ability to generate pressure inside. Jackson’s status will be one to watch closely-if he can’t go, Minnesota may need to shuffle the line or rely on less experienced depth.
Defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez was also out with a neck issue. His absence on Wednesday raises some red flags about his availability for the weekend. While Minnesota has some rotational depth at defensive tackle, losing Rodriguez would be a blow to their interior run defense.
The Vikings had a long list of players listed as limited, many of whom are playing through minor injuries. Among them:
- Josh Metellus (shoulder)
- Jalen Redmond (hip)
- Jonathan Allen (rest)
- Blake Brandel (concussion)
- Ty Chandler (knee)
- Jonathan Greenard (shoulder)
- Javon Hargrave (rest)
- Aaron Jones (shoulder)
- Ryan Kelly (hip)
- Harrison Smith (rest)
- Theo Jackson (neck)
The most notable among this group is Ty Chandler, who had his 21-day return window from injured reserve opened. While that’s a promising step, there’s no guarantee he’ll be activated in time for Sunday. The Vikings may want to see more from him in practice before making that call.
Blake Brandel, dealing with a concussion, was limited despite reportedly being symptom-free. That’s a sign he’s progressing, but he hasn’t cleared the full protocol just yet. It’s possible he’ll be ready by Sunday, but nothing is certain until he logs a full practice.
On a more positive note, quarterback J.J. McCarthy was a full participant and has cleared the final step in the league’s concussion protocol. That’s huge news for Minnesota-assuming no setbacks, McCarthy is on track to start against Washington.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was also a full participant with a knee issue, which is another encouraging sign for a Vikings offense that needs continuity up front.
Washington Commanders Injury Report: Daniels Trending Up
In Washington, the headline is clear: all eyes are on Jayden Daniels.
The rookie quarterback was limited in practice Wednesday as he works his way back from a left elbow injury that’s sidelined him for several weeks. That’s a step in the right direction.
While he’s not fully cleared yet, the fact that he’s throwing and participating is a positive sign. If he continues trending this way, there’s a real shot he could be under center this weekend.
Washington also had a handful of veterans sitting out due to rest:
- Zach Ertz
- Von Miller
- Laremy Tunsil
- Bobby Wagner
No surprises there-this is standard load management for players with plenty of mileage.
Drake Jackson (knee/groin) and Javon Kinlaw (back) were the two non-rest DNPs for the Commanders. Jackson is still in the 21-day return window from IR, but unlike Noah Brown-who was a full participant-Jackson may need more time before he’s game-ready.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu was limited with a shoulder issue, but he’s been playing through pain for much of the season, so this isn’t unexpected. His availability will likely come down to pain management and how he responds to practice reps later this week.
Long snapper Tyler Ott was a full participant despite dealing with a back issue-good news for special teams continuity.
What’s Next?
Thursday and Friday’s practices will be telling. For Minnesota, the offensive and defensive line situations bear watching, especially with Jackson and Rodriguez still sidelined. And while McCarthy appears good to go, the status of players like Brandel and Chandler could impact the Vikings’ depth and game plan.
For Washington, Jayden Daniels' elbow will be the storyline heading into the weekend. If he’s a full participant by Friday, expect him to start. If not, the Commanders may have to pivot once again.
We’ll keep an eye on the updates as they come in. For now, both teams are managing injuries to key contributors-and in a tight NFC playoff picture, every body counts.