The Minnesota Vikings have multiple injuries stemming from before and during the upset win on Sunday against the Detroit Lions by a score of 27-24. It was a masterful game from defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who found a way to attack Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense with masterful blitzes and they were able to hold their rushing game at bay to just 65 yards.

On the offensive side of the ball, head coach Kevin O’Connell proved that he has the utmost confidence in starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy by trusting him at every turn. They scored 27 points on the day and attacked all three levels of the defense.

On the day, there were a few injuries that made an impact on Sunday, and others that could be impactful moving forward.

Kevin O’Connell provides multiple injury updates

RB Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones was fantastic on the day for the Vikings rushing for 78 yards on nine carries, and catching two passes for 20 yards. He looked explosive and decisive in his movements. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury. O’Connell is optimistic about Jones moving forward.

“Aaron Jones, he’s sore, obviously, coming out of the game,” said O’Connell. “But the evaluations have been pretty positive today. We’ll see how he does throughout the week, but expecting him to be able to hopefully ramp up his workload, and I’ll give you guys an update as the week goes on.

The addition of Jones back into the lineup is such a huge factor for the Vikings’ offense, and it’s much-needed to help McCarthy.

S Theo Jackson

After playing just 16 snaps on Sunday afternoon, O’Connell said that Jackson came in on Monday with some mild concussion symptoms, and was placed in concussion protocol.

“Just an update on Theo Jackson, he came in this morning with just some very mild symptoms. And we want to be safe there. So he’ll go into the cushion concussion protocol, and, you know, we’ll see how he can progress throughout the week,” said O’Connell.

Jackson taking a step back in usage was paired with Harrison Smith taking a step forward. Being in the concussion protocol doesn’t mean he won’t play next Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but it makes it much less likely.

Other injuries

• FB C.J. Ham: “C.J. Ham should return to practice in a limited capacity and see how he does throughout the week.” In regard to the run game, Ham will make a serious impact.
• TE Josh Oliver: “And Josh Oliver will begin working his way back on the side field with the trainers on the rehab field.” Oliver injured his foot early on against the Los Angeles Chargers.
• C Ryan Kelly: “And Ryan Kelly will also begin some of that side field work. Don’t really have an update at this time of, [in terms of] opening his window or anything like that, but want to get him started. He seems to be in a good place. And want to kind of see the next part of that process begin.” Having continuity at center will be huge for the Vikings.