Minnesota Vikings getting healthy ahead of primetime game with Giants
Despite being pretty severely banged up, the Minnesota Vikings were able to destroy the Chicago Bears last week by a score of 38-17. Thanks to a brilliant performance from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota maintained its ability to control its own destiny in winning the NFC North title.
The Vikings dominated against the Bears without their top three defensive players (Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith) while another starter in Andrew Sendejo also sat out. Additionally, Xavier Rhodes and Adrian Peterson each missed time during the game due to injuries, but both were able to return to the game.
According to the official Minnesota Vikings injury report, it appears as if all previously injured players are set to play this week against the New York Giants. Joseph, Barr, Smith and Peterson are all listed as probable and expected to play. In fact, everyone on the Vikings injury report besides Smith practiced in full on Friday and is listed as probable.
Smith is listed as a limited participant in practice on Friday, but is still listed as probable.
The list of Vikings listed as probable includes:
- CB Josh Robinson (concussion)
- RB Adrian Peterson (ankle)
- TE Rhett Ellison (ankle)
- S Harrison Smith (knee)
- S Anthony Barr (knee)
- NT Linval Joseph (foot)
- DE Everson Griffen (shoulder)
- DT Sharrif Floyd (not injury-related)
- WR Charles Johnson (ankle)
- RB Jerick McKinnon (hamstring)
After getting absolutely throttled at home by the Seattle Seahawks in a Week 13 matchup, the Vikings have played inspired football the past couple of games despite being as banged up as they were. Following the Seattle embarrassment, Minnesota went on the road and took a 12-2 Arizona Cardinals team down to the wire. After that, the Vikings executed the aforementioned demolition of Chicago at home last week.
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With all of this said, it appears as if the Minnesota Vikings are starting hit their stride, both in terms of play on the field and overall health. As the regular season winds down and the Vikings face two key matchups that will have immense playoff implications, it couldn’t come at a better time.