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Minnesota Vikings: Week 3 Finally Over, Effects Linger

By Robert Reidell

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In a result that surprised nobody, the Minnesota Vikings lost their week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints by a final score of 20 to 9. While the Vikings were likely overmatched even with their optimal lineup, the loss of Adrian Peterson to indefinite suspension certainly did not help. Peterson, who remains in denial about a possible return this season, is expected to miss the rest of the 2014 season and may potentially have played his last game in a Vikings uniform.

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During Sunday’s game the Vikings lost multiple key starters to injury. Starting quarterback Matt Cassel was carted off the field with what was initially determined to be a toe injury. This report was later revised to a foot injury involving several fractured bones. His timetable for return is uncertain at this point, which means rookie Teddy Bridgewater will be the Vikings starting quarterback moving forward. Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed this initial speculation during Monday’s press conference.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph also left Sunday’s game with a groin injury. His MRI earlier today revealed his injury would require surgery and that he will be out for about six weeks.

Right guard Brandon Fusco was removed from Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and was replaced by backup guard Vladimir Ducasse. Fusco will seek a second opinion, on what has reportedly been diagnosed as a pectoral injury, and will likely be out for multiple weeks pending the severity of his injury.

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    • It should be expected that Cassel, Rudolph and Fusco will all miss the Vikings’ week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. As previously stated, Bridgewater will start in place of Cassel at quarterback. Tight ends Rhett Ellison and MarQueis Gray are the most likely solutions for replacing Rudolph, but Chase Ford could be called up from the practice squad. Given that Ducasse replaced Fusco during the game, he is the presumptive injury replacement at right guard.

    It is worth noting that both Rudolph and Fusco received contract extensions during the offseason, as both players are expected to be important members of the Vikings’ future.

    Other players included on the Vikings’ injury report: LB Chad Greenway (Rib, Hand), CB Josh Robinson (Hamstring) and DT Sharrif Floyd (Shoulder).

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