Vikings fans are interested in the latest injury report, not only because of the unclear quarterback situation, but also because various decent players are set to return from a spell on the sideline.
Vikings Have a Surprise Addition to the Injury Report
On Thursday’s injury report, the Vikings list starting guard Donovan Jackson as a full participant. He’s set to return after a two-game absence due to wrist surgery he had to undergo after the Week 3 game. The first-rounder missed the last two games.
Also in line to make his return is linebacker Blake Cashman. He’s technically still on IR, but the Vikings opened his 21-day practice window on Monday, and they can activate him in the upcoming days. Another full participant, Cashman, is expected to play on Sunday. Undrafted rookie Tyler Batty was a full participant, too. He’s also in his 21-day practice window.
At the quarterback position, the Vikings once again got a full practice out of Carson Wentz while J.J. McCarthy was limited. Expect Wentz to be under center against his former team on Sunday.
Center Michael Jurgens is also back after missing Week 5. It remains to be seen whether he’s getting the nod during Ryan Kelly’s absence. Blake Brandel, the versatile backup, has gotten some praise following his center debut.
The one DNP on the injury report belongs to Christian Darrisaw. The standout blocker got his usual rest day on Thursday. He should be good to go.
In addition to McCarthy, four other guys were limited. That included star pass-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, who’s working his way back from a neck injury. Rookie interior defender Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has a hip injury, while right tackle Brian O’Neill is still recovering from an MCL injury. The Vikings would love to get the experienced blocker back in time for Sunday’s kickoff.
The one major surprise on the injury report is Jonathan Greenard, who logged a limited practice after participating fully on Wednesday. It’s a hamstring injury. It’s unclear whether he suffered an injury during practice or was just (partially) held out for rest purposes.
For many starters, the Vikings have some backup ready to step in if necessary, but Greenard is one of the few irreplaceable guys. The entire pass-rushing plan is set up to get him in favorable positions and matchups to wreak havoc. He’s also a fantastic run-stopper on the edges, and the Vikings need him, especially if Van Ginkel isn’t at 100%.
There’s a chance the Vikings are down both outside linebackers. Suddenly, Dallas Turner is the top guy, followed by Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss, Gabriel Murphy, and potentially, Batty could make his NFL debut.
The edge-rushing group is one of Minnesota’s strengths, but Brian Flores might have to get a little creative on Sunday. He loves to blitz, but the Eagles have actually struggled this year whenever they aren’t blitzed as much. Jalen Hurts has already taken 18 sacks this year and is among the league leaders in that category.
We’ll learn more about Greenard’s status on Friday.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
