On the injury front, the Minnesota Vikings have had a rocky first seven games of the season. Injuries have thoroughly thrashed the continuity, consistency, and play of the offensive line. The rebuilt group was a significant reason for team optimism as the season approached. The projected starting five has yet to take a snap together in the seven games. The lack of continuity, consistency, and play of the group is a significant reason starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed five games with an ankle injury and backup quarterback Carson Wentz is now done for the season with a shoulder injury. The offensive line isn’t the only position group that’s had to deal with injuries. It’s been a team-wide issue but the offensive line has been especially hard hit. The international travel and short-week demands of a ridiculous, early-season schedule haven’t helped the rest and recovery in dealing with those injuries. All of it is why the Vikings injury report is a must-read every week. On that front, things are looking up as the Vikings prepare for their Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions.
Wednesday
Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Full Practice
C.J. Ham, FB (Hand) - Did Not Practice
Jeff Okudah, CB (Concussion) - Did Not Practice
Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Did Not Practice
Brian O’Neill, OT (Knee) - Limited Practice
Isaiah Rodgers, CB (Shoulder) - Limited Practice
Jonathan Greenard, OLB (Ankle) - Limited Practice
J.J. McCarthy, QB (Ankle) - Full Practice
Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB (Neck) - Full Practice
Thursday
Christian Darrisaw, OT (Knee) - Did Not Practice
C.J. Ham, FB (Hand) - Did Not Practice
Jeff Okudah, CB (Concussion) - Did Not Practice
Josh Oliver, TE (Foot) - Did Not Practice
Brian O’Neill, OT (Knee) - Limited Practice
Isaiah Rodgers, CB (Shoulder) - Limited Practice
Jonathan Greenard, OLB (Ankle) - Full Practice
J.J. McCarthy, QB (Ankle) - Full Practice
Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB (Neck) - Full Practice
Last week’s short week, with a Thursday night game halfway across the country against the Los Angeles Chargers, was the reason Christian Darrisaw played only nine snaps and Brian O’Neill didn’t play at all. Both elite tackles are navigating knee injuries. Both need a full week of maintenance. Two days and a day traveling isn’t enough time for the necessary maintenance. It isn’t close. For that reason, the league’s scheduling and need for Thursday night money impacted the game as much as the Chargers defense. Darrisaw’s injury maintenance has included resting Thursday after practicing Wednesday. So, his “DNP” yesterday isn’t concerning. As for O’Neill, his “LPs” are also part of his injury maintenance. I expect him to play, probably with a brace on his knee.
The best news of the Vikings injury report this week is the probable availability of outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. Van Ginkel has only played in two games this season. He played the bulk of the season-opener against the Chicago Bears. He played a handful of snaps in the Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. His impact on the Vikings defense can be seen in the two sacks he had in the handful of snaps against the Bengals. He’s an instinctive problem-solver for the team. The strength of the Vikings defense is its versatility and it isn’t the same without Van Ginkel. His return would be a game-changer. Greenard’s availability may never have been in doubt. He was injured late in the Chargers game. After being helped off the field, he jogged to the blue tent. That was a little reassuring. It’s an ankle injury and those can be worrisome. I don’t recall Kevin O’Connell mentioning Greenard in his postgame injury recap so maybe it wasn’t a concern even from the start. Personally, I was concerned until I saw his “FP” yesterday. Having Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard on the field against the Lions would be outstanding. We haven’t seen much of the terrific duo together this season.
I’m guessing the handling of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is more precautionary than concerning. At least, that’s what I’m hoping.
The most concerning injuries on this week’s injury report are those to corner Jeff Okudah and tight end Josh Oliver. Concussions are always concerning and this is Okudah’s second of the season. A second concussion put center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve earlier this season. With a few extra days “gifted” by the Vikings Week 8 Thursday game, perhaps Okudah is cleared before Sunday. But a football game is secondary when dealing with concussions. Simply in terms of game availability, Oliver’s injury is the most concerning. He might be the most underrated player on the team. His versatility, and especially his blocking, is so important to the Vikings offense. Adjustments are plenty when he’s not out there and he won’t be out there against the Lions. Hopefully, his return from the foot injury is quick.
Finally, I can not wait to see J.J. McCarthy back on the field.
Also, I’ll miss C.J. Ham’s stabilizing presence. There’s something reassuring about #30 being on the field.
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