The Minnesota Vikings have returned from their bye week and are set to face the Detroit Lions in one of the year’s most significant matchups. With a crucial divisional contest ahead, the Vikings will need all hands on deck to stay undefeated and maintain their spot at the top of the NFC North. Now, let’s check the latest injury updates on three important players. By now, Minnesota Vikings fans understand just how much running back Aaron Jones has enhanced the offense. Although Jones hasn’t missed any games this season, he did sustain a hip injury during the London matchup against the New York Jets. Head coach Kevin O’Connell referred to Jones’ injury as “week-to-week” during a media session last Tuesday. With the Vikings back from their bye week, they kicked off practice early this week, holding their first session on Monday in preparation for the game against the Lions.
A closer look at #Vikings RB Aaron Jones today at practice.
Seems to be moving pretty good after suffering the hip injury in the #Jets game two Sunday’s ago that knocked him out of the game.
pic.twitter.com/rZXycArWqO— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 14, 2024
While the official injury report won’t be released until Wednesday, Jones looked to be moving well on the practice field on Monday. This is promising news, especially since he plays a key role in the Minnesota Vikings’ offense.
Star tight end T.J. Hockenson hasn’t played a snap this season for the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a torn MCL/ACL late last year against the Detroit Lions. The team activated Hockenson’s 21-day practice window on October 4th. It’s uncertain whether he will be back this week, as he will have completed just five practices before Sunday’s game. Coach O’Connell, speaking on KFAN Tuesday, noted he’s not sure when Hockenson will be officially activated but mentioned that Hockenson has been performing well in practice since his return. It’s also important to highlight that the Vikings are facing Hockenson’s former team, which is a divisional rival currently favored to win the NFC North—despite the Vikings being 5-0 and the Lions at 4-1.
With the bye week, the @Vikings are kicking off practice early in the week.
TE T.J. Hockenson getting some practice in, however, most reports don’t have him coming back this week.
We’ll see how the week progresses. #Skol
pic.twitter.com/IBMyny276K— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 14, 2024
No one has ruled out T.J. Hockenson’s return against Detroit on Sunday, but it’s more likely that the former Lion will be sidelined for another game or two. The Vikings have a Thursday night game in Week 8, which means a short turnaround (October 20 and 24) between this matchup and the following week’s game against the LA Rams. Darren “Doogie” Wolfson discussed Hockenson’s situation on the Mackey & Judd show Thursday, mentioning that the back-to-back games in four days have the Vikings feeling cautious. Hockenson’s 21-day practice window is nearing its end, making his return imminent either way. He must be activated to the 53-man roster by October 25; otherwise, he will be placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Another player set to make a return is offensive guard Dalton Risner. The Minnesota Vikings opened Risner’s 21-day practice window on October 14th. While there isn’t a specific return date yet, he needs to be activated to the 53-man roster by November 4th. Though this date may seem far off, the Vikings don’t have to wait that long, and Risner has stated that he is now 100% healthy.
"I'm comfortable at right and left, whatever guard position it is, truly whatever position they want me to play I'm ready to go."
– #Vikings Guard Dalton Risner
📽️ @Vikings pic.twitter.com/xyyRdtALHa
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 15, 2024
In the full interview, Risner expressed that he’s ready to get back on the field after his extended back injury. Whether as a right guard or left guard, he just wants to play football. Given Ed Ingram’s strong performance at right guard, Risner’s chances of breaking into the starting lineup are at an all-time high, and he certainly feels that way. Related: 4 Bold Predictions for the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 7 Matchup vs. the Lions Blake Cashman’s injury update should be a concern for Vikings fans. On Tuesday’s episode of Mackey & Judd, Darren Wolfson highlighted the seriousness of Cashman’s situation. The Minnesota Vikings boast one of the most affordable and deepest inside linebacker groups in the NFL, but Cashman has distinguished himself as the best among them, wearing the green dot. If he’s unable to play, it would significantly impact the team.
Overall, the Minnesota Vikings are getting healthier, with a few players who haven’t played at all this season starting to recover. We’ll get more updates on these three players as the week goes on. Their return would be significant for the high-stakes matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
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