As the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys gear up for their Sunday Night Football clash under the lights at AT&T Stadium, both teams released their first injury reports of the week - and there’s plenty to unpack.
Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Rest Days and Red Flags
Let’s start with Minnesota, where the injury list is long, but not all of it is cause for alarm. A large chunk of the report is filled with veterans getting rest days - a common sight this late in the season when the hits have piled up and the playoff picture is starting to take shape.
Among the more notable names:
- WR Jordan Addison (Achilles) was limited in practice. That’s one to monitor closely.
Achilles issues can be tricky, especially for a player who relies on quick bursts and sharp cuts. Addison’s been a key part of the passing game, and his availability could be pivotal.
- **TE T.J.
Hockenson (Shin)** did not practice. No contact on a shin injury this early in the week isn’t ideal.
Hockenson is a safety blanket in the Vikings’ offense, and his absence would force a shift in how Minnesota attacks the middle of the field.
- LT Christian Darrisaw (Knee) also did not practice. Darrisaw has been one of the more consistent performers on the offensive line, and losing your blindside protector - especially against a Dallas pass rush that can heat up in a hurry - is a potential game-changer.
There’s some good news, though. RB Ty Chandler (Knee) was a full participant, and that’s significant.
Chandler is eligible to return from injured reserve, and a full practice this early in the week is a strong sign he’ll be activated. His return would inject some much-needed juice into the Vikings’ backfield.
The rest of the report is a mix of limited participants dealing with manageable injuries - Justin Jefferson (rest), Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder), Harrison Smith (rest), and several others. These are the kind of bumps and bruises you expect in December. As long as there are no setbacks, most of these guys should be good to go.
Dallas Cowboys Injury Report: Waiting on CeeDee and Diggs
Over in Dallas, the Cowboys’ injury report features a few headliners of their own.
- WR CeeDee Lamb (Concussion) was limited as he works through the league’s concussion protocol. That’s the big one.
Lamb is the engine of this Cowboys offense - a true WR1 who can change a game in a single snap. Whether or not he clears protocol in time for Sunday night will be a major storyline to watch.
- CB Trevon Diggs (Knee) was limited as well. He’s in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve, and this week was circled as a potential return. If he’s activated, that’s a huge boost to a Dallas secondary that could use his ball-hawking instincts against a Vikings team that can stretch the field.
- T Tyler Guyton (Ankle) did not practice. That’s one to keep an eye on. Offensive line continuity is always crucial, especially against a Vikings front that can bring pressure from multiple angles.
Other key contributors like DE Jadeveon Clowney (Hamstring), TE Jake Ferguson (Calf), and S Donovan Wilson (Knee) were limited, but those feel more like the “manage it through the week and play on Sunday” type of injuries unless something changes.
What It All Means Heading Into Sunday Night
Both teams are dealing with the usual late-season wear and tear, but there are a few injuries that could swing the matchup.
For Minnesota, Addison and Hockenson are two of the most important weapons in the passing game. If either is limited - or worse, unavailable - it puts more pressure on the run game and the depth receivers to step up.
For Dallas, everything revolves around CeeDee Lamb’s status. Without him, the offense loses its most dynamic playmaker, and the Vikings’ defense can shift more attention to stopping the run and pressuring Dak Prescott. On the other side of the ball, getting Trevon Diggs back would be a major lift in slowing down Minnesota’s air attack.
We’ll know more as the week progresses, but for now, both teams are walking the fine line between managing injuries and preparing for a prime-time showdown with major playoff implications.