Minnesota Vikings inactive list nearly finalized

The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle finalizing their inactive list versus the New York Jets.

When the Minnesota Vikings play the New York Jets in a few hours their inactive list will feature a couple of regular names. The list has not been made complete, however, as the availability of one the Vikings’ best players has yet to be decided.

The Vikings opened as three-point road favorites against the Jets. This is despite who will and will not suit up in the next hour or so. The Jets are an improved team, but it is highly likely that a few of the players on the inactive list will include those with moderate injury risk.

Dalvin Cook Out

Running back Dalvin Cook has already been ruled out for the Vikings. The Vikings ruled out Cook yesterday. Cook will miss his fourth game this season with a sore hamstring. His inclusion on the inactive list was a mild surprise, but it could be due to precautionary reasons.

Cook was a full-go when he practiced with the Vikings on Friday. Everyone was under the impression that he would suit up and play today. Unfortunately, either his hamstring was tender after going full throttle or the Vikings do not want to risk further injury. If it is the latter, it would be best for the Vikings to sit Cook for the foreseeable future.

Latavius Murray will handle the lead back duties with Cook out. Murray ended the Vikings streak for no rushing scores with a nifty move to the end zone last week against the Arizona Cardinals. Murray currently has the Vikings’ best game on the ground after rushing for 155 yards last week.

Linval Joseph Out?

The jury is still out on Vikings’ defensive lineman Linval Joseph. Thus far, the NFL All-Pro has had a quiet season by his standards. He is dealing with nagging knee and shoulder injuries. He has been listed as questionable all week.

The Vikings have not ruled Joseph out completely. It will likely come down to the final minute as the Vikings can have Joseph dress, but only play in the event of an emergency.

Jaleel Johnson is prepared to start if Joseph cannot go. Joseph has not practiced much this week. Keep a close eye on this story.

Other Possible Inactive Players

Vikings’ Defensive end Danielle Hunter was a limited practice participant. He may or may not play. Like Joseph, the Vikings will make a last-minute call on Hunter. Other Vikings’ players who could sit include Tashawn Bower, Kevin McDermott, and Stephen Weatherly.

The Vikings must also decide who will take Cook’s place on the active list for today.t

Update:

Linval Joseph will not play against the Jets. He has been ruled out because of his knee injury. As previously noted, Jaleel Johnson will start in Joseph’s place.