Well, that’s kind of a long injury report.
The Vikings released their first glance at practice participation Wednesday, as they prepare for the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears.
Five players did not participate. Six were limited. Another three participated fully but are still on the report.
Of those 14 listed, 10 could be considered starters (though that’s certainly a fluid designation).
The linebackers are of particular concern.
Anthony Barr isn’t a surprise – last week it was reported he would have knee surgery, which will keep him out through the rest of the season.
Chad Greenway, who was pulled partway through last Sunday’s loss to Miami with a knee injury, was not at practice, the Star Tribune reports. He was excused Monday and Tuesday however due to the death of his father last week.
Rookie linebacker Brandon Watts also did not practice.
That leaves the Vikings’ linebacking corps down to Gerald Hodges, Jasper Brinkley and Audie Cole.
“We’re thin there, that’s for sure,” head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday.
Wide Receiver Jarius Wright missed practice. He’s been a consistent target for the offense this season, wracking up career-high receptions (39_ and yards (565) with two touchdowns this year. His fellow starter, Greg Jennings, was limited with a hamstring injury.
We’ll see if the report gets any smaller Thursday.
Odds and ends
- A day after waiving veteran running back Ben Tate, the Vikings signed running back Henry Josey from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad to their active roster. The rookie has not played in a game this year.
- Minnesota added a player to its own practice squad: Rookie linebacker Justin Anderson.
- The Minnesota media named defensive end Brian Robison the Korey Stringer Good Guy Award winner Wednesday., the Star Tribune says. The award – named after the offensive lineman who died during training camp in 2001 – is given to the player “most cooperative, helpful and professional” while working with the media during the year.
