Daily Norseman
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions have issued their final injury reports in advance of Sunday’s game at Ford Field, along with injury designations for the game. Here they are (changes in bold):
Additionally, Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Harrison Smith were limited in Friday’s practice with veteran rest days and will play on Sunday. Jay Ward did not practice on Friday due to a personal issue but also has no injury designation for Sunday’s game.
Kevin O’Connell said he expects Andrew Van Ginkel to play, which is a key addition to the Vikings defense. I believe O’Connell said that O’Neill would be questionable for the Lions game, but on the actual report he has no injury designation. In any case, I expect both O’Neill and Darrisaw to start on Sunday. Josh Metellus was a late addition to the injury report as he was limited on Friday with some foot soreness. I’d expect him to play Sunday as well, however.
Ham, Okudah, and Oliver have been ruled out for Sunday’s game as expected after not practicing all week. But overall, this will be as close to full strength as the Vikings have been in any game this season.
For the Lions, starting safety Kerby Joseph has been ruled out, along with linebacker Malcom Rodriquez and backup running back Craig Reynolds. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker did not participate in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable. He is expected to play on Sunday, but the Lions are trying to limit the aggrevation to his shoulder injury, which he will be playing with against the Vikings.
Others questionable for the Lions are not starters, so less impact either way if they’re active or not. I suspect most will be active coming off a bye week.
Overall, the Vikings should be as close to full strength as you could hope for this time of year and the Lions are fairly healthy after their bye week too.
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