Vikings get brutal news that will severely impact their biggest growing point on offense, including Kyler Murray
Injuries are a key part of any NFL season, and the Minnesota Vikings have already gotten their fair share.
The Minnesota Vikings made multiple roster moves Wednesday to address injuries ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced they are placing running back Jordan Mason on short-term injured reserve with a broken thumb. In turn, they signed running back DeeJay Dallas from the practice squad to the active roster, and added running back Jerome Ford to the practice squad.
Jordan Mason heads to IR with broken thumb
Mason’s broken thumb was discovered via imaging, according to O’Connell, and the expectation is he will be back sooner rather than later. A broken thumb makes it harder to hold on to the football, and the Vikings are doing the right thing by taking care of the injury rather than risking fumbles.
The loss stings. Minnesota was thriving in the run game with Mason back there, including the 28-yard burst in the fourth quarter, but the short-term IR designation means he will miss a minimum of four games before returning.
DeeJay Dallas and Jerome Ford fill the void
To replace Mason on the active roster, the Vikings promoted Dallas from the practice squad. Dallas had a massive block on the Miles Price long kickoff return that helped spark Minnesota’s comeback against the Green Bay Packers. He also has familiarity with general manager Nolan Teasley from his time in Seattle, which should help ease his transition into a larger role.
The Vikings also signed Ford to the practice squad after he came in for a workout on Tuesday. Ford spent time with the Cleveland Browns after being a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He fits the style of rushing attack Minnesota is trying to deploy, giving the Vikings depth at a position that suddenly got thin.
Kyler Murray takes encouraging step in concussion protocol
Perhaps the most noteworthy development Wednesday was with quarterback Kyler Murray’s status. After suffering a concussion on Sunday that left him in a fencing position, Murray will be a limited practice participant Wednesday. That’s a massive step in the concussion protocol less than 72 hours after the injury.
The fact that he’s already a limited participant gives more hope that Murray will be ready to go on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. It will all be determined based on how he responds on Thursday. O’Connell did say at the end of his media availability that
Jauan Jennings misses practice with a personal matter
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was out Wednesday with a personal matter. That absence is likely short-lived, with an expected return on Thursday or Friday. He should be just fine for kickoff on Sunday.
Overall, the injury bug has already hit the Vikings early in the season, but the Murray news provides a silver lining for a team looking to build momentum heading into Week 3 against Chicago.
