Vikings receive belated Christmas presents with latest injury news ahead of Week 17 vs. Packers
If the Minnesota Vikings find a way to win their last two games against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, they will win the NFC North, clinch the number one seed in the NFC, and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Sitting at 13-2, the Vikings have done so with all hands on deck, […]
If the Minnesota Vikings find a way to win their last two games against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, they will win the NFC North, clinch the number one seed in the NFC, and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Sitting at 13-2, the Vikings have done so with all hands on deck, especially their free-agent acquisitions. Quarterback Sam Darnold is turning into one of the better quarterbacks in the National Football League and the defensive trio of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and inside linebacker Blake Cashman have been the biggest caveats to their incredible record.
Vikings get positive injury updates in quest to win NFC North
Injuries have played a huge factor for the Vikings this season and you can look no further than Cashman. The Vikings are 12-0 in games he's played while being 1-2 without him.
Heading into week 17, they are likely to play a big factor on Sunday afternoon.
On the Vikings' sideline, they are likely going to have three players returning to the field: safety Harrison Smith, inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and defensive lineman Jalen Redmond.
Vikings practicing today with safety Harrison Smith (foot), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr (hamstring) and defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (concussion).
— Andrew Krammer (@andrewkrammer.bsky.social) December 26, 2024 at 2:16 PM
Getting these players back will be huge for the Vikings, especially Pace who is a great run-stopper with his unique size and quickness abilities.
Meanwhile, things are not quite as good on the Packers' sideline.
All of these players have been contributors for the Packers this season and the sheer presence of Watson impacts the passing game immensely due to his ability to attack vertically.
The other confusing element for the Packers has been with cornerback Jaire Alexander. He has been practicing lately, including a full participation estimation on Wednesday.
During his Thursday media availability, head coach Matt LaFleur was less than optimistic about Alexander playing on Sunday afternoon.
Not having Alexander is a big deal, but the Packers have seen Alexander play in just 10 snaps since playing 57 in a week eight win against the Jacksonville Jaguars and have continued to thrive defensively.
Alexander also missed the first meeting between these two teams and it wasn't great for the Packers, as the Vikings got up 28-0 in the first half.
The injury status of both players could change over the next few days, but it's noteworthy that things are trending better for the Vikings.
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It’s a very complicated situation
