The middle of the Vikings’ defense could have a gaping hole in it Sunday when Todd Gurley and the St. Louis Rams visit TCF Bank Stadium.
According to Pro Football Talk, rookie middle linebacker Eric Kendricks missed practice Friday and will not suit up for Sunday’s game. He’s batting a ribs injury he suffered last week against Chicago and hasn’t practice all week.
Audie Cole will start in his place with Chad Greenway playing middle linebacker on passing downs.
Kendricks, the NFL’s defensive rookie of the month for October, is off to a great start since taking over for Gerald Hodges in the starting lineup. Hodges was traded to San Francisco, paving the way for the rookie out of UCLA. He’s second on the Vikings in both tackles (42) and sacks (4).
ESPN reports that defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was absent from Friday’s practice and he’ll the game as he continues to recover from ankle and knee injuries.
The middle of Minnesota’s defense could have its hands full facing Gurley. The rookie running back has rushed for an average of 142 yards in his first four career starts.
Linebacker Anthony Barr missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning to work Friday.
