Kevin O'Connell could get a major boost to his offense this week, with the Vikings coach saying Jordan Mason, Christian Darrisaw, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison are all expected to take part in Wednesday's practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
That would put Minnesota in position to welcome back four key pieces at once, a welcome development as the 5-0 Vikings return from their Week 6 bye. The offense has had moments, but the team has leaned heavily on defense and special teams while waiting for more consistency on that side of the ball. Minnesota has also been running the ball 30.4 times per week, the fourth-most in the NFL, and getting healthier could give the unit more balance.
The last time all four played in the same game was the season opener against Green Bay, though Mason's late injury cut short that chance to see them together for long.
Mason has been out since fracturing his thumb in Week 1 and needing surgery. He missed the next four games on injured reserve, and Minnesota opened his 21-day return-to-practice window on Monday. Even with that step, he still has to be activated before he can face the Colts.
His return would give the Vikings another option next to Aaron Jones, who has carried a heavy load without him. Jones had 25 carries for 113 yards against New Orleans in Week 5, and Mason's presence would allow O'Connell to rotate backs instead of asking Jones to shoulder so much on his own.
Darrisaw missed the Week 5 Saints game after suffering a concussion against Miami in Week 4. If he is able to return, Minnesota gets a stronger left edge on the line, though the group is still dealing with the season-ending knee injury to Donovan Jackson, which has left the guard spot beside Darrisaw unsettled.
Hockenson's injury came on Minnesota's second offensive play against the Saints on October 11, when a concussion knocked him out for nearly the entire game. Before that, he had produced 13 catches for 119 yards against Miami, a reminder of how valuable he can be working the middle of the field with Kyler Murray.
Addison has already missed one game because of a hamstring injury that kept him out against New Orleans. With Justin Jefferson drawing attention from every defense, Addison's return would add another vertical threat and open more room underneath for Hockenson.
There are still hurdles before any of them can play. Darrisaw and Hockenson must clear concussion protocol, and Mason needs an active-roster spot.
O'Connell also doesn't appear interested in forcing the issue, especially with a Week 8 trip to Detroit coming next. Even if all four are back, Minnesota would still be working around Jackson's absence and a tight end room without injured blocker Josh Oliver, two holes that could matter even more against the Lions' defensive front.
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