Vikings Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Matchup with Giants
The Minnesota Vikings are grappling with injury setbacks as they prepare to take on the New York Giants this Sunday. Veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has been ruled out for the game due to a thigh injury. He joins left tackle Christian Darrisaw, safety Josh Metellus, and linebacker Jonathan Greenard, all of whom were placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Hargrave stands as the only other starter to miss the game, amplifying the challenges for the Vikings.
Questionable Status for Key Players
In addition to Hargrave’s absence, the Vikings are monitoring right tackle Brian O’Neill, who is dealing with a heel issue. O’Neill missed Wednesday’s practice and was limited in both Thursday and Friday sessions. As the weekend approaches, his status remains questionable. On a more positive note, veteran center Ryan Kelly, who has been nursing a knee injury, enters the game without an injury designation after limited participation earlier in the week.
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor experienced back issues but bounced back to full participation in Friday’s practice, clearing him for the upcoming game.
Giants Dealing with Their Own Injury Setbacks
The New York Giants are also facing significant injury challenges, including the absence of starting tackle Evan Neal, who is out with neck and hamstring issues. Neal practiced on Wednesday but did not participate in the last two practices of the week. Additionally, defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is ruled out with a shoulder injury after missing all three days of practice.
The Giants, sitting at 2-12, will also be without wide receiver Beaux Collins (concussion/neck), linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness), and defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (ankle). Cornerback Art Green is listed as questionable after being limited on Wednesday but returning to full participation on Thursday and Friday. Joining him on the questionable list are cornerback Rico Payton (back) and guard Joshua Ezeudu (calf).
Desperate Times for the Giants
The Giants head into this matchup amidst a troubling eight-game losing streak. Interim head coach Mike Kafka, who took over after Brian Daboll’s dismissal following a disappointing 2-8 start, faces a formidable task in rallying his team. Kafka, a former NFL backup quarterback with a brief history with the Vikings in 2015, will be looking to turn the tide against a Minnesota squad that comes into the game riding a two-game winning streak, having recently bested NFC East rivals Dallas and Washington.
As both teams navigate their injury woes, the upcoming showdown promises to be a pivotal clash in the current NFL landscape.
