Minnesota Vikings: Injury news leading up to matchup with Seahawks
This Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will host the Seattle Seahawks in what could be the biggest matchup of the weekend in terms of playoff implications. Minnesota currently leads the NFC North by just a half game at 8-3, while Seattle is in a wild card spot at 6-5.
According to the Minnesota Vikings official website, Linval Joseph will not play against the Seahawks, which is quite unfortunate considering how dominant he’s been as the starting nose tackle this season.
Starting at nose tackle in his place will be Sharrif Floyd, who usually starts at the other defensive tackle position. This move is a bit curious because most nose tackles in the NFL are well over 300 pounds, and they generally use their size more than anything. Floyd will certainly be an undersized nose tackle against the interior of Seattle’s offensive line. However, Floyd has shown an incredible ability to get a great jump off the snap, and maybe that will help him make an impact.
More from Minnesota Vikings
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Kirk Cousins: More wins with fewer turnovers
- Minnesota Vikings Kyle Rudolph Conundrum
- Minnesota Vikings: how the Vikings can upset the Patriots
- Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes could be difference-maker versus Lions
As Mark Craig of the Star Tribune reports, Tom Johnson will slide into the three-technique defensive tackle position in place of Floyd. In three starts when Johnson filled in for Floyd earlier this season, the Vikings went 3-0. So there’s that.
Andrew Sendejo will also be unavailable for Minnesota, although that’s not a terribly big loss by any means in my opinion. His performance this season, especially in coverage, has left much to be desired.
According to Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune, starting in Sendejo’s place will likely be rookie Antone Exum, who started in Atlanta last week.
I think we will see Antone Exum get another start with Andrew Sendejo out.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 4, 2015
Lastly for the Vikings, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Smith missed last week’s game in Atlanta with a knee injury that he suffered in the Green Bay game in Week 11. Barr on the other hand (no pun intended), played through a broken hand against Atlanta and managed to play one of the best games of his career.
According to Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN, both Barr and Smith should be on the field for Minnesota on Sunday.
S Harrison Smith (knee) and LB Anthony Barr (hand/groin) are questionable, though both practiced Friday and appear in line to play.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) December 4, 2015
For Seattle, there isn’t much for notable injury news other than that they’ll be without running back Marshawn Lynch once again. Thomas Rawls, who has performed very well in his place this season, will get the start.
Next: Vikings vs. Seahawks: Preview, Keys to Victory, and Prediction
Continue to check in with Sporting Sota for news and analysis on all things Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the Minnesota teams.
ALSO AT SPORTING SOTA: Adrian Peterson wins NFC Offensive Player of the Month, enters MVP discussion