Sunday’s game against the Bears is as close to a must-win as any game gets for the Vikings, and they might have to pull it off without a trio of starters.
The final injury report of the week was released Friday and the Vikings have already ruled middle linebacker and leading tackler Eric Kendricks (hamstring) out, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes (groin) and left guard Tom Compton (shoulder) are questionable with injuries.
Also out: fullback C.J. Ham (elbow), return specialist Marcus Sherels and wide receiver Chad Beebe (hamstring).
A good sign, however, is that Rhodes was back to practice on Friday after missing practices Wednesday and Thursday because of a groin injury he suffered in last week’s win over Detroit. If Rhodes misses Sunday’s game, it’ll mean more pressure on Trae Waynes, Mackenzie Alexander and Holton Hill.
That actually might not be all that bad if the stat trackers at Pro Football Focus (PFF) are right. According to PFF, Alexander is Minnesota’s highest-rated cornerback this season and 18th-best in the NFL, followed rookie Holton Hill, Trae Waynes and then Rhodes.
Then again, Rhodes is an All-Pro defensive back, and it’s hard to bet against him.
Good news for the Vikings is that Bears star safety Eddie Jackson is doubtful with an ankle injury. Jackson intercepted Kirk Cousins for a touchdown in Chicago’s Week 11 win over Minnesota at Soldier Field.
The Vikings need to beat the Bears or have the Eagles lose or tie against Washington to clinch a playoff spot. Sunday’s game kicks off at 3:25 p.m.
