The hype for Sunday’s NFC North showdown between the Detroit Lions (4-1) and Minnesota Vikings (5-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium (noon, CST) has been clouded by injures to big-name players.
For starters, the Lions will be without Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson for the season after the superstar pass rusher suffered a broken leg in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Minnesota has some serious injury question marks of its own, even after resting up over the bye week.
Aaron Jones has helped rejuvenate the Vikings run game since signing as a free agent back in March. But the former Green Bay Packers star has been dealing with a hip/hamstring issue since Week 5.
Star tight end T.J. Hockenson, meanwhile, continues to make progress from last year’s season-ending knee injury. Could he make his season debut against the Lions?
Here’s a full injury breakdown for Sunday’s matchup off of Friday’s initial practice reports:
Vikings vs. Lions: Full injury designations
Detroit Lions
Out
- OL Christian Mahogany (illness)
The Lions’ rookie sixth-round pick appears to be nearing his NFL debut, as he was able to practice in full all three days this week. He’ll remain on the reserve/non-football illness list for at least another week.
Questionable
- CB Carlton Davis (quad)
The Lions’ starting corner opposite rookie Terrion Arnold appears on track to play against Minnesota. After sitting out his team’s first two practices this week, Davis logged a full practice on Friday and told reporters he’s “good to go.”
- RG Kevin Zeitler (groin)
Detroit’s starting right guard was able to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday, but he was downgraded to a DNP a day later. That’s never a good sign. Head coach Dan Campbell called Zeitler a long shot for Sunday. Kayode Awosika, an undrafted, third-year player out of Buffalo, will be the next man up.
Minnesota Vikings
Out
- LB Blake Cashman (toe)
Cashman has been a rock for Minnesota as its starting middle linebacker, and the man responsible for relaying the defensive calls to his teammates on the field. Second-year player Ivan Pace Jr. will likely wear the green dot in Cashman’s absence. Veteran Kamu Grugier-Hill should also have an expanded role against the Lions.
- CB Akayleb Evans (hip)
Evans has made his largest contributions to the Vikings on special teams this season. He’s logged a total of three defensive snaps in 2024, and none since Week 1.
Questionable
- OLB Patrick Jones II (shoulder)
Jones appears to be on the right side of questionable after logging a full practice on Friday. He’s contributed five sacks and a forced fumble in 2024.
- RB Aaron Jones (hamstring)
There was concern about Jones’ availability for Week 7 after he missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring issue — and not the hip injury that knocked him out prior to the bye week. Jones returned to practice on both Thursday and Friday, though, and NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that he’s on track to play on Sunday.
- DT Harrison Phillips (shoulder)
Minnesota should have its starting nose tackle on Sunday after he practiced in full on Friday. His presence could be key against a Lions offense that likes to play smash-mouth football between the tackles, especially in the red zone.
- TE T.J. Hockenson (knee)
Despite making obvious strides in his recovery the past few weeks, Hockenson is not expected to make his anticipated 2024 debut against Detroit. Although he’s been medically cleared, the team is taking a cautious approach with its star tight end.
T.J. Hockenson said he has “passed every test by a mile” from a medical standpoint. His knee is healed, but obviously the acclimation process takes time. He has no predictions on when he’ll play. Likeliest targets are next week in LA or following vs. Colts.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 17, 2024
- G Dalton Risner (back)
The former second-round pick remains on injured reserve, but after practicing all three days this week, there’s a chance he’s activated prior to Sunday’s game. The Vikings would first need to add Risner to the 53-man roster. If that happens, he could be in the mix on the right side of the line with the struggling Ed Ingram.
MORE: NFL picks, predictions Week 7: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions