The Vikings’ perfect start has put them in an interesting spot with the NFL trade deadline closing in, and Kevin O’Connell isn’t pretending otherwise.
Minnesota is 6-0 and headed to Ford Field on Sunday to take on the Detroit Lions, but before Wednesday’s practice at TCO Performance Center, O’Connell made it clear the front office is still working through what, if anything, makes sense before the Nov. 10 deadline.
“We’re having dialogue”
O’Connell said he and Nolan Teasley talk regularly about possible additions. With the deadline set for 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday Nov. 10, the Vikings are at least keeping the door open while other teams start moving pieces around.
The Indianapolis Colts already made two notable deals, sending offensive lineman Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive lineman DeForest Bucker to the San Francisco 49ers, who the Vikings will face in a few weeks.
“Nolan and his staff are going to continue evaluate opportunities, we’re having dialogue about things and just trying stay true to if there’s an opportunity that makes sense to improve our team, we’re going to take a look at it," O’Connell said. "I thought we were done with Buckner for the season, we’ll see him here in a few weeks."
Injury watch on Aaron Jones and Joe Huber
O’Connell also said running back Aaron Jones and offensive lineman Joe Huber will not practice Wednesday.
Jones has been dealing with a knee injury for most of the season, but he’s still putting together a productive year. Through six games, he has 436 yards rushing, two touchdowns and 72 receiving yards.
Even with the missed practice, O’Connell said he’s hopeful both players can suit up Sunday and described Jones as day-to-day.
"He feels strong, feels like he’s going to be able to progress and get to a good place on game day. But we have to have plans in place regardless," O’Connell said.
Cashman gets his due
One Viking who did not need any extra validation was Blake Cashman. After his huge performance in Sunday’s win over the Colts, he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Cashman filled up the stat sheet with 12 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and four passes defended.
“I don’t know if there’s much more I can say about Cash, glad he’s getting the recognition that his play is warranting. He’s playing great football," O’Connell said.
The Vikings and Lions kick off at noon Sunday.
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