The Minnesota Vikings could be without one of the NFL’s top defensive tackles when they face the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium.
According to the Pioneer Press, the Vikings are concerned about Linval Joseph’s foot injury.
While speaking to reporters Thursday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer didn’t say much about Joseph but suggested he may miss some playing time.
Injury addendum: Mike Zimmer was asked if Kenrick Ellis possibly will have to step in for Linval Joseph on Sunday and he did say "Maybe.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 3, 2015
If Joseph can’t play it would snap a streak of 27 straight games in which he’s appeared since signing as a free agent with the Vikings before the 2014 season. It would also mean Kenrick Ellis, who has played just 14 snaps in the four games since he signed as a free agent in October.
It would also leave the Vikings with just three healthy defensive tackles – Ellis, Sharrif Floyd and Tom Johnson – against the Seahawks ground game led by rookie Thomas Rawls, who is averaging 5.6 yards per carry while filling in for Marshawn Lynch.
In addition to Joseph, linebacker Anthony Barr (groin) and safety Andrew Sendejo (knee) also missed practice on Thursday. Harrison Smith participated in a limited fashion for a second straight day.
Barr told the Pioneer Press that he’ll be ready for Sunday.
