Vikings Injuries Leave Fans Holding Their Breath Once Again
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Minnesota Vikings fan looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It’s been an all-too-common theme for the Minnesota Vikings so far in 2025: injuries.
The team just lost J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones for upwards of a month, have seen multiple key defensive pieces miss time in the first two weeks, and we are yet to see either of Christian Darrisaw or Harrison Smith suit up in 2025.
And once again on Thursday, the latest report on the Vikings injuries have left fans wondering who exactly will be on the field once Sunday rolls around.
Key Vikings Injuries Still Lingering
Dec 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) chase a fumble by quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Darrisaw recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings listed a whopping 12 players on Thursday injury report, which equals the amount of players that were listed on Wednesday. So, if we’re looking for silver linings, at least there weren’t more names added to what seems like an ever-growing list.
However, a couple injury designations stand out more than others.
First and foremost we have to talk about Darrisaw again. It seemed like there was a light at the end of the injury tunnel when he was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, but on Thursday, Darrisaw was downgraded all the way to a DNP.
If Darrisaw were to miss his third consecutive game to begin the season, it would be brutal for Minnesota’s offensive line.
Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) celebrate a touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Keep in mind, Justin Skule likely won’t be available at left tackle either because of a concussion that he suffered in Week 2, not that fans would be all too excited to see him back in the starting lineup after he has been essentially a turnstile for opposing defenders over the first two weeks.
That would leave Walter Rouse to make his first NFL start, and it would come at one of the worst possible times.
The Bengals have a monster waiting on the other side of the line of scrimmage in Trey Hendrickson. The star pass rusher led the NFL in sacks last year with 17.5 sacks, and he has picked up right where he left off with six tackles and a pair of sacks through the first two games of this season. Those numbers will almost certainly go up this weekend if he is going up against a first-time starter instead of one of the most established left tackles in the league.
More concern exists on Minnesota’s offensive line too as Ryan Kelly was once again a DNP on Thursday while he continues to work his way back from his own concussion. Then, there’s rookie Donovan Jackson who was once again limited in practice because of a wrist injury.
For a team that will be relying on Jordan Mason as the lead running back for the foreseeable future, this isn’t exactly ideal considering he thrives as a ground-and-pound player running through the middle of the trenches. The Vikings need to be able to open up running lanes for him to find success.
Minnesota Vikings guard Donovan Jackson (74) goes through drills during a June 10, 2025 minicamp session at the team’s training facility in Minneapolis. The rookie lineman is expected to compete for a key depth role entering his first NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
If we want some positive news to end things off, the Vikings seem to be getting a bit healthier on the defensive side of the ball.
Harrison Smith is making strides towards a season debut on Sunday while Andrew Van Ginkel could return from his concussion this weekend. Both players have been listed as limited participants on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Cornerback Jeff Okudah could be set to return as well after being a full participant on Thursday, which will provide a much-needed boost in the secondary against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The Vikings will release one more injury report on Friday, giving game designations for their injured players. Until then, fans will have to continue hoping for health on this banged up roster.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
