Minnesota Vikings First Injury Report: J.J. McCarthy makes another appearance with improvement from starter on injured reserve
It’s a loaded injury report for both the Vikings and Bears.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to host the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. The first matchup came in Week 1 when the Vikings got the win in quarterback J.J. McCarthy‘s first start, 27-24.
Since then, it’s been a very different season for both teams. The Vikings have gone 3-5 since, while the Bears are 6-2. They have each been dealing with a fair amount of injuries, and the first injury report ahead of Week 11 personifies that.
Minnesota Vikings Wednesday injury report
| Player | Injury | W/T/F | Designation |
| EDGE Jonathan Greenard | Shoulder | DNP | |
| RG Will Fries | Calf | Limited | |
| RB Aaron Jones | Shoulder/Toe | Limited | |
| C Ryan Kelly | Concussion | Limited | |
| QB J.J. McCarthy | Right Hand | Limited | |
| S Josh Metellus | Foot | Limited | |
| TE Josh Oliver | Foot | Limited | |
| RT Justin Skule | Shoulder | Limited | |
| S Harrison Smith | Not Injury Related-Rest | Limited | |
| EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel | Neck | Limited | |
| LT Christian Darrisaw | Knee | Full | |
| S Theo Jackson | Concussion | Full |
Observations
- A lot of players are on the injury report, and I expect that to grow throughout the week. Head coach Kevin O’Connell alluded to that earlier in the week.
- McCarthy was limited with a throwing hand injury, but it’s not a big deal. He hit his hand on a helmet during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens.
- It’s good to see Kelly back on the injury report and not just on injured reserve. The Vikings activated his practice window on Wednesday afternoon.
Chicago Bears Wednesday injury report
| Player | Injury | W/T/F | Designation |
| S Kevin Byard III | Not Injury Related-Rest | DNP | |
| S Jaquan Brisker | Back | DNP | |
| LB T.J. Edwards | Hand/Hamstring | DNP | |
| DT Grady Jarrett | Not Injury Related-Rest | DNP | |
| WR D.J. Moore | Shoulder | DNP | |
| WR Rome Odunze | Ankle | DNP | |
| DB Tyrique Stevenson | Shoulder | DNP | |
| WR Jahdae Walker | Concussion | DNP | |
| TE Cole Kmet | Back | Limited | |
| DT Dominique Robinson | Ankle | Limited | |
| RB D’Andre Swift | Hip | Limited | |
| DB Josh Blackwell | Concussion | Full | |
| LB Ruben Hyppolite II | Knee | Full |
Observations
- A lot of injuries for the Bears, especially at the wide receiver position. Their top two receivers didn’t practice. If Moore and Odunze don’t play, that could he a huge win for the Vikings.
- One to watch is Swift. If he doesn’t play, it could be a huge hit to the running game for Ben Johnson.
Minnesota Vikings News
Kevin O’Connell’s play-calling is under severe fire, but the issues surrounding it aren’t as dire for the Vikings as it may seem
The discussion about Kevin O’Connell’s play calling isn’t one that has a simple answer.
Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell gives firm answer about play-calling concerns with necessary context outside of looking at stats
The answer to the perceived play calling issues is not simple in the slightest.