The Minnesota Vikings have been bitten hard by the injury bug over the last few weeks.
From Justin Jefferson to Kirk Cousins and plenty of players in between, there are a lot of injuries that the team has been dealing with. Right when someone gets healthy, another player gets injured. It’s been a constant battle, but the war of attrition hasn’t gotten the team down yet.
On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media and provided updates on six players
WR Justin Jefferson
There is a better chance for Jefferson to play on Sunday against the Broncos. What the Vikings have been honest about throughout is they will be cautious with his return. Considering how well the Vikings have played without Jefferson, that’s the smart play.
ILB Jordan Hicks
The Vikings placed Hicks on injured reserve on Tuesday due to the compartment syndrome he developed in his injured leg. Hicks had emergency surgery and was released from the hospital on Tuesday.
O’Connell said that he hopes Hicks can return this season, but there is still a lot that can happen until he can come off of injured reserve in five calendar weeks.
QB Nick Mullens
Mullens had his practice window activated on Wednesday, meaning that he can practice for up to 21 days before they choose to activate him or keep him on injured reserve. He was on the field for Wednesday’s walkthrough which is a good sign. He could be the second quarterback when he returns from injury, but that remains to be seen.
QB Jaren Hall
Like Mullens, Hall was also on the field for Wednesday’s walkthrough. He suffered a concussion in week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. Once Hall is fully cleared, he could become the backup quarterback ahead of Mullens.
RB Alexander Mattison
Despite suffering a concussion on Sunday against New Orleans Saints, Mattison could be playing on Sunday night. He has progressed well and both the team and Mattison, assuming he clears the concussion protocol, will determine if he plays
WR K.J. Osborn
Osborn looks to be potentially cleared from the concussion protocol on Wednesday and practiced in full as well. Getting Osborn back would be a nice jolt to the offense.
