The Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday announced that edge rusher Marcus Davenport has been placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, which confirms fears that his ankle will force him out of at least the next four games.
Without Davenport the Vikings will rely heavily on D.J. Wonnum and Patrick Jones II when they face the 49ers, Packers, Saints and Falcons. Reports Tuesday said Davenport suffered a high ankle sprain against the Bears and those types of sprains typically require 4-6 weeks of recovery, which means Davenport could miss more than four games.
The Vikings also activated running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu to the 53-man roster while opening wide receiver Jalen Nailor’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Nwangwu, who had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2021 against the 49ers, will be able to play in this week’s Monday night game between the Vikings and 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Nailor’s status for Monday night is unknown but the speedy wide receiver could have a role considering the Vikings waived wide receiver Trishton Jackson on Tuesday. Jackson was active for Minnesota’s game against the Bears on Sunday so his release leaves K.J. Osborn, Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell and N’Keal Harry as the only receivers on the 53-man roster.
