Questions Answered: Vikings-Colts Score Prediction, Blake Cashman Status, Dalton Risner
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the Halloween edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [emailĀ protected].
Questions Answered: Vikings-Colts Score Prediction, Blake Cashman Status, Dalton Risner
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But weāll try to keep that to a minimum.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Q: Give us the score prediction for Sunday Night Football, Colts at Vikings.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Answer: A Vikings win 30-17.
We were wrong last week, predicting Minnesota to bounce back on the road and somewhat handily beat the Los Angeles Rams. That prediction looked wonderful after the gameās first drive.
But we didnāt know the defense would fail to show up at SoFi Stadium.
However, we refuse to believe the defense ā the pass rush, specifically ā is dead for good, so we foresee a rebound performance for the defense. The Vikingsā defensive trenches will rattle immobile Joe Flacco, and Minnesotaās offense wonāt struggle to score points. A 13-point victory.
Q: Will Blake Cashman play this weekend?
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Answer: Thatās trending toward no.
OnĀ this weekāsĀ specific injury report, Cashman is looking like a no-go. Heās battling turf toe, an injury that notoriously lingers for athletes.
The Vikings listed Cashman as a DNP (did not practice)Ā on Thursday, just three days before Vikings-Colts onĀ Sunday Night Football. Cashman, in theory, could still practice Friday and be ready for the primetime affair, but he probably wouldāve experienced limited practice participation this week if so.
A couple of weeks ago, head coach Kevin OāConnell didnāt sound too worried about Cashmanās long-term prognosis. āHeāll be kind of day-to-day, week-to-week as he deals with that, OāConnell said. āWe really donāt know yet, but donāt think it will be a long-term injury, with IR or anything involved in that,āĀ the young skipper saidĀ before Week 7.
āWeāll just hopefully have him work through it and get back on the field as soon as possible. Donāt really know about his status for this week. Weāll see if he can get some limited work in throughout the week and maybe have a chance to go.ā
If Cashman doesnāt play on Sunday, onlookers will fire up Cashman Injury Watch all over again leading into the following weekend, a road trip to Jacksonville for a date with the Jaguars.
It will probably be the Kamu Gruiger-Hill show for a third consecutive game.
Q: Do you think Dalton Risner will play against the Colts?
Former Denver Broncos offensive guard Dalton Risner on Monday Night Football during his first start with the Minnesota Vikings. U.S. Bank Stadium, October 23rd, 2023. Risner started for an injured Ezra Cleveland.
Answer: This one is a true coinflip.
Weāll say no as a prediction ā unless an offensive guard like Blake Brandel or Ed Ingram gets hurt. Minnesota might give Ingram a bit more time because it fancies continuity.
Risner will likely see the starting lineup before too long, but with the caveat that weāre willing to be wrong, letās say Ingram gets another start.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, āThe Sopranos,ā Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.Ā
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
