Minnesota Vikings: Sharrif Floyd out Sunday vs. Lions

As the Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit on Sunday to take on the Lions, it appears as if they will be without one of their best playmakers on defense.

According to the official Vikings injury report, Sharrif Floyd and fellow defensive end Justin Trattou have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Floyd has been reportedly dealing with ankle and knee issues for the entire week, and was unable to participate in practice.

This injury now means the Vikings are suddenly flimsy at the defensive tackle position. Linval Joseph has had a solid bounce-back season thus far in 2015, and he’ll start at nose tackle this Sunday. The other starting defensive tackle will likely be Tom Johnson, who has shown flashes in the past but has never had real experience as a starter.

Behind them, there will be only one defensive tackle available for depth purposes this weekend, and it’s newly acquired defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis, who most recently played with the New York Giants. He was signed this week after the Vikings placed Shamar Stephen on injured reserve with a toe injury.

When you add in the fact that Trattou will also be sitting out, suddenly the Vikings defensive line that has been tenacious this season looks vulnerable. Getting pressure on Matthew Stafford will be a key component to a winning formula for the Vikings this Sunday, and doing so without Floyd and Trattou could prove to be difficult for the Vikings.

Check in with us at Sporting Sota for a recap following Sunday’s game.

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