Minnesota Vikings: Floyd, Kendricks out Sunday vs. Rams
According to the official Minnesota Vikings website, starting defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and linebacker Eric Kendricks have been ruled out for this Sunday’s Week 9 matchup against the St. Louis Rams.
Floyd has not played since the Vikings’ Week 6 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, as he’s been dealing with an ankle injury since that game. In the first five games of the season, Floyd tallied nine tackles and one sack, proving to be a force on the defensive line for Minnesota.
In his absence, Tom Johnson has filled in at the starting defensive tackle next to Linval Joseph. Johnson has recorded four tackles and a sack since filling in for Floyd in the starting role.
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Kendricks has missed practice all week as he’s been trying to recover from a rib injury sustained against Chicago last week. Ever since he has been promoted to starting middle linebacker in place of Gerald Hodges (who was traded to San Francisco after the Week 4 loss to Denver), Kendricks has been superb. He was even nominated for NFC Rookie of the Week in Week 6.
Unfortunately, he too has been ruled out along with Floyd. In line to replace Kendricks is Audie Cole, who’s now in his fourth season as a backup linebacker with the Vikings. Cole’s last start came in the final game of last season against the Bears, when he recorded an impressive 14 total tackles (11 solo, three assist).
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The Vikings will rely on strong performances from both Johnson and Cole in order to help the defense contain rookie sensation Todd Gurley, who has rushed for over 125 yards in four straight games for the Rams. Additionally, over those last four games, Gurley is averaging 141.5 yards per game and 6.4 yards per carry. Needless to say, containing Gurley will be important for the Vikings this Sunday, and Johnson and Cole will play a key role in that effort.
The rest of the injury report for Sunday’s Vikings/Rams tilt can be found HERE.
Next: Rams @ Vikings: Preview, Keys to Victory, Prediction
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