Bad news for the Vikings as Friday’s final injury report for Sunday’s playoff game against the Saints revealed that they’ll be without two key cornerbacks.
Mike Hughes (neck) and Mackensie Alexander (knee) have both been ruled out for the game, meaning the Vikings are down two key cornerbacks against one of the NFL’s most explosive passing offenses led by quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas, who shredded the Vikings for seven catches, 83 yards and two touchdowns in the Minneapolis Miracle game in 2017, set the NFL record with 149 receptions this season for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.
Without Hughes, who was placed on injured reserve, ending his season, the Vikings signed veteran cornerback/punt returner Marcus Sherels. He’ll add depth to the secondary that will now rely massively on Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes, in addition to young defensive backs Holton Hill and Kris Boyd.
The only other injury of note is a questionable status for defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo.
The Vikings and Saints play at 12:05 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans.
