Vikings Thursday Injury Report: Minnesota’s dire position improves with questions remaining about two Buccaneers starters

The Minnesota Vikings are already dealing with injuries, but things are getting better as the week goes on.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune (6) runs the ball past Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune (6) runs the ball past Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, and it will be a clash of teams going in different directions.

After winning their first two games, the Vikings are thriving in a multitude of ways. They also get quarterback Kyler Murray back from injury this Sunday, and that will be a major impact on the game. The Vikings’ biggest issue thus far has been consistency on offense, and having the starting quarterback in the game is a great thing.

For the Buccaneers, they are just as injured as the Vikings, but their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has played in both games, but both of them had him play poorly. He needs a bounceback game in the biggest way.

The Thursday injury report is out, and the picture is getting more clear for both teams.

Vikings Wednesday injury report

Player Injury W/T/F Designation
ILB Jake GoldayAnkleDNP/Limited
RB Aaron JonesKneeDNP/Limited
P Brett ThorsonRight HamstringDNP/DNP
RB DeeJay DallasToeLimited/Limited
RT Brian O’NeillKneeLimited/Full
DT Jalen RedmondElbowLimited/Limited
C Nick SamacKneeLimited/DNP
DT Tyrion Ingram-DawkinsHipLimited/Full

Observations

  • The running back room is still in a poor spot overall. Jones did improve to a full participant, which is a good sign with his knee injury. Even so, being hurt is rough.
  • Redmond maintaining his limited status could be more about maintenance than anything.
  • It’s looking like the Vikings are going to be activating Johnny Hekker from the practice squad this Sunday, which, with the running back injuries, could prevent Kyle Van Noy from being elevated again.

Buccaneers Wednesday injury report

Player Injury W/T/FDesignation
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.GroinDNP/DNP
OLB Anthony NelsonShinDNP/Limited
LB Josiah TrotterShoulderDNP/DNP
QB Baker MayfieldIllnessFull/Full
WR Jalen McMillanKneeFull/Full
CB Jacob ParrishBackFulll/Full
DT A’Shawn RobinsonNIR/RestNone/DNP

Observations

  • Both of the first two picks for the Buccaneers are trending to be out, and that could be huge for the Vikings when on offense.
  • Mayfield practicing in full over the first two days likely means that he will play on Sunday.
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