Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said a trio of defenders were set to miss practice Wednesday ahead of the team’s Week 4 matchup with Carolina.
Defensive backs Josh Metellus and Byron Murphy Jr. are set miss Wednesday’s practice with injuries, but O’Connell said he’s “very optimistic” both will be available for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.
Center Garrett Bradbury, out since Week 1 with a back injury, was a limited participant in practice. Defensive lineman Patrick Jones II was also a limited participant with a knee injury.
Today's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/kNMf5eG5kj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 27, 2023
And O’Connell says outside linebacker Marcus Davenport will “hopefully progress” from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for all but four snaps this season.
Metellus played 79 snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers and Murphy was on the field for 66 snaps while left on an island against Chargers receiver Keenan Allen.
Harrison Smith and Harrison Phillips were given veteran’s rest days.
On a more positive note for Vikings fans, O’Connell said new offensive lineman Dalton Risner will get some work with the first team in Wednesday’s practice. Risner was signed early last week but didn’t not play in Sunday’s loss.
