Minnesota Vikings continue to get bitten by the injury bug like they have all season, and they could impact the stretch run

The Minnesota Vikings continue to have injuries mount up, and there could be multiple players missing time moving forward.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) is helped off the field by trainers after a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings found a way to get a huge win on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys 34-26. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy found a way to thrive on Sunday night after throwing an interception to start the game with the best EPA/play of his young career.

There were a lot of positives from Sunday’s game, but as we’ve seen this season with the Vikings, it’s been loaded with negatives. Those have come in the form of injuries.

Kevin O’Connell gives updates on multiple injured Vikings

There were multiple injuries on Sunday night for the Vikings, with some leaving the game and not returning.

WR Jalen Nailor

“Jalen Nailor did return, kind of had a lower back when he caught the touchdown, but did return and got a game ball for his troubles.”

Nailor was excellent on Sunday night, showing once again that he is going to get paid big money this offseason in free agency. He caught three passes for 47 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner on an out route inside the five-yard line. He’s ready for a bigger role in an offense.

DT Javon Hargrave

“[Javon] Hargrave, we’re calling it a thigh injury. We’re going to need an MRI to see where he’s at,” said O’Connell.

Hargrave has been a good, yet inconsistent on the defensive line, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. He left the game in the second half and didn’t return due to a thigh injury. Often times, injuries to the thigh are bruises, but needing an MRI to know the extent is somewhat concerning.

RT Brian O’Neill

“Brian O’Neill [has a] foot, he’ll have an MRI, but have not gotten much more of an update on that,” said O’Connell.

O’Neill being consistently injured along with Christian Darrisaw is a tough one for the Vikings. They need both players to be healthy to keep McCarthy upright. O’Neill has had a knee injury keep him out of games this season, and this is another one.

EDGE Jonathan Greenard

“Jonathan Greenard did aggravate his shoulder, so we’ll obviously need to take a look at him,” said O’Connell.

This is a tough one for the Vikings. Greenard injured his shoulder against the Baltimore Ravens and missed a few games with it. Re-aggravating the injury could end up impacting the 2026 season. There will likely be a conversation about shutting him down for the year.

CB Isaiah Rodgers

O’Connell said that Rodgers suffered an elbow injury late. That could be a brutal one for the Vikings, as they are in a tough spot at the cornerback position. They have just three cornerbacks on the roster, with Dwight McGlothern the most likely to be added back to the active roster if he ends up missing time.

Related Articles