Minnesota Vikings Final Injury Report: Good news is littered across the board, with crucial questions remaining

Thre are multiple uncertaities with the Vikings’ final injury report.

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (75) reacts towards the fans following the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are in a desperate state to get back into the win column on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Lions. They are currently sitting at 3-4, and dropping to 3-5 could be devastating to their playoff hopes.

The biggest question marks have come on the interior. Christian Darrisaw didn’t practice on Thursday and Brian O’Neill remained limited with both players dealing with knee injuries. Luckily for the Vikings, J.J. McCarthy is set to return on Sunday from his high ankle sprain.

The final injury report was released on Friday afternoon and it’s layered with good news for the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings Friday injury report

Player Injury W/T/F Designation
EDGE Andrew Van GinkelNeckFull/FullQuestionable
QB J.J. McCarthyAnkleFull/FullNone
LT Christian DarrisawKneeFull/DNPQuestionable
CB Isaiah RodgersShoulderLimited/LimitedNone
RT Brian O’NeillKneeLimited/LimitedQuestionable
EDGE Jonathan GreenardAnkleLimited/FullNone
TE Josh OliverFootDNP/DNPOut
CB Jeff OkudahConcussionDNP/DNPOut
FB C.J. HamHandDNP/DNPOut
S Josh MetellusFootNone/NoneQuestionable

Observations

  • Head coach Kevin O’Connell believes that Van Ginkel will play on Sunday against the Lions. If he is able to play, that is a massive win for the Vikings and how Brian Flores calls his defense.
  • Oliver’s foot injury isn’t what you would call good, and it will officially keep him out of Sunday’s game.
  • Greenard being removed from the injury report is a big win for the Vikings. They will need him to get pressure quickly on Jared Goff.
  • Darrisaw downgrading from full to did not practice was tough, but O’Connell is optimistic that he is going to play on Sunday afternoon, along with O’Neill.

Detroit Lions Friday injury report

Player Injury W/T/FDesignation
CB Terrion ArnoldShoulderFull/Full/FullNone
RB Sione VakiGroinLimited/Limited/LimitedQuestionable
S Daniel ThomasArmLimited/Limited/LimitedQuestionable
LB Malcom RodriguezKneeLimited/Limited/LimitedOut
EDGE Al-Quadin MuhammadHamstringLimited/Full/FullNone
CB Avonte MaddoxHamstringLimited/Limited/LimitedQuestionable
LT Taylor DeckerShoulder/NIR-RestLimited/Full/DNPQuestionable
RB Craig ReynoldsHamstringDNP/DNP/DNPOut
S Kerby JosephKneeDNP/DNPOut

Observations

  • There are some really good players on here for the Lions. The most significant is Joseph, who is still dealing with a knee injury. Him not playing is a big deal, especially with their cornerback situation
  • Decker missing the game could be a big deal, especially if Greenard and Van Ginkel end up playing. If Decker doesn’t play, it could be a huge benefit for Brian Flores, but head coach Dan Campbell believes he will play on Sunday.
  • The Lions will get Arnold back this week, but he’s been up and down during his career, and going against the Vikings’ stable of receivers could be just what the doctor ordered for Kevin O’Connell.