The Minnesota Vikings are walking into a huge Week 10 matchup with the Green Bay Packers carrying more than one injury concern, but Blake Cashman is the one that jumps off the page.
Cashman exited Minnesota’s 23-6 Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills after taking a concussion and never made it back into the game after being evaluated in the blue medical tent. Even with the early exit, he still finished tied for a season high with 12 tackles, while adding two pass deflections and a tackle for loss.
The first injury report of the week didn’t bring much comfort. Cashman was listed as “DNP” for the Vikings’ first practice, and because he’s in concussion protocol, he has to stay there for at least five days under NFL rules. That alone puts his status against Green Bay in real doubt.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed Cashman’s situation when he spoke to the media, and while he didn’t shut the door on him, he made it clear the linebacker is still working through the process.
“We won’t be on the field until tomorrow, but did want to give you guys the projected injury report later this afternoon. I know you’ll get it, but the one that I wanted to make sure I mentioned was Blake Cashman.
“He had the kind of the stinger evaluation going on and then did end up taking a hit, or more than likely giving a hit late on that, later on in that game. And he is currently in the concussion protocol. So, obviously, with a short week, he’s doing really, really well, but I’ll keep you guys posted on him.”
Cashman has been one of the Vikings’ biggest defensive bright spots this season and is on pace for a career year. Through his work in Minnesota, he has piled up 76 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, 4.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
The advanced numbers back up how complete his season has been. Pro Football Focus has him second among 79 eligible linebackers with an 86.8 overall grade.
His coverage grade sits at 82.6, which ranks third, while his pass-rush grade is 82.0, good for sixth. His run-defense grade is 69.3, which ranks 27th.
That versatility is exactly why Minnesota needs him so badly against Green Bay. Brian Flores has leaned on Cashman in a bigger way this season, especially as a blitzer, and the linebacker has delivered with 16 pressures. He’s also been effective in coverage, allowing a 75.9 passer rating.
That matters against a Packers offense that has been one of the league’s best through the air, ranking second with 279.7 passing yards per game. Cashman gives Minnesota a player who can chase Jordan Love and also help take away the middle of the field against tight ends and crossing routes.
The Vikings still have time to see how Cashman responds over the next few days, and that will shape whether he can suit up for a major regular-season showdown. Minnesota wants him out there, but it also has to be careful with the long game.
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