In a result that surprised nobody, theMinnesota Vikingslost their week 3 matchup against theNew Orleans Saintsby afinalscore of 20 to 9. While the Vikings were likely overmatched even with their optimal lineup, the loss ofAdrian Petersonto indefinite suspension certainly did not help. Peterson, who remains indenialabout 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 quarterbackMatt Casselwas carted off the field with what was initially determined to be atoe injury. This report was later revised to afoot injuryinvolving several fractured bones. His timetable for return is uncertain at this point, which means rookieTeddy Bridgewaterwill be the Vikings starting quarterback moving forward. Vikings’ head coachMike Zimmerconfirmedthis initial speculation during Monday’s press conference.
Tight endKyle Rudolphalso left Sunday’s game with agroin injury. His MRI earlier today revealed hisinjurywould require surgery and that he will be out for about six weeks.
Right guardBrandon Fuscowas removed from Sunday’s game with ashoulder injuryand was replaced by backup guardVladimir Ducasse. Fusco will seek a second opinion, on what has reportedly been diagnosed as apectoral injury, and will likely be out for multiple weeks pending the severity of his injury.
The Viking Age
It should be expected that Cassel, Rudolph and Fusco will all miss the Vikings’ week 4 matchup against theAtlanta Falcons. As previously stated, Bridgewater will start in place of Cassel at quarterback. Tight endsRhett EllisonandMarQueis Grayare the most likely solutions for replacing Rudolph, butChase Fordcould 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: LBChad Greenway(Rib, Hand), CBJosh Robinson(Hamstring) and DTSharrif Floyd(Shoulder).
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