The Minnesota Vikings will be without a mejor player for Sunday’s noon matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. who sustained a left hamstring strain during last week’s victory over the Cardinals, hasn’t practiced all week. In his absence, the Vikings will rely on Byron Murphy Jr., Shaq Griffin, and Fabian Moreau as their top cornerbacks.
Kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola, both returning from injured reserve after missing four games, are listed as questionable. They fully participated in practice this week, but activation decisions will be made Friday, with corresponding roster moves due by Saturday afternoon. The Vikings have already released long snapper Jake McQuaide, DePaola’s replacement, while kicker Parker Romo could face a similar fate.
Four additional players are questionable for Sunday: outside linebacker Patrick Jones II (knee), defensive lineman Harrison Phillips (back), offensive guard Dalton Risner (back), and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (thigh). Jones, Phillips, and Van Ginkel were limited in practice Friday, while Risner participated fully and expressed confidence he would play. Safety Jay Ward and tight end Josh Oliver, both full participants in practice this week, are set to return.
Justin Jefferson Reflects on Lessons from Kirk Cousins
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson shared a lighter moment when asked about his biggest takeaway from former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, now with the Falcons. “There’s a lot of jokes I learned from Kirk,” Jefferson said, emphasizing the value of a quarterback he could joke with while also admiring Cousins’ work ethic. Jefferson teased that the jokes, geared toward an older generation, are being saved for when his delivery might land better.
Practice Squad Updates
The Vikings signed offensive tackle Coy Cronk to the practice squad on Friday, marking his second stint with the team. Cronk previously spent time with the Falcons and Jaguars, appearing in five games for Jacksonville during the 2022 season. The Vikings also placed guard Henry Byrd on the practice squad injured reserve.
Van Ginkel Shirts for Charity
T-shirts featuring edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel will be sold Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium to support flood relief efforts in his hometown of Rock Valley, Iowa. Proceeds will be matched by Land O’Lakes in a donation to aid recovery from severe storms in June.
Coach O’Connell on Gilmore’s Recovery
Head coach Kevin O’Connell noted Gilmore is progressing as expected but wasn’t ready for Sunday’s game. “We’ll see what next week looks like,” O’Connell said Friday.
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