Minnesota Vikings hit with brutal blow as multiple key stars gets sidelined

Minnesota Vikings walked away with a hard-fought victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, but the result came with a troubling aftermath that has quickly shifted the conversation from celebration to concern.

Multiple key contributors were sidelined during the game, leaving the Vikings facing a daunting injury situation at a critical point in the season.

While the scoreboard favored Minnesota, the physical toll of the contest painted a far less encouraging picture. The Vikings lost Jordan Mason, Ryan Kelly, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in succession, significantly impacting both sides of the ball.

Veteran running back Aaron Jones also exited the game early due to an irritated ankle, though he managed to return midway through the second quarter, offering at least a partial sigh of relief.

Projected injury report reveals troubling depth issues

With the team opting not to practice on Monday, Minnesota Vikings instead released a projected injury report that underscored the severity of the situation.

ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert shared the update on X, highlighting just how depleted the roster could have looked had the team taken the field.

“The Vikings posted their projected injury report on their web site this afternoon. If they had practiced, J.J. McCarthy (hand), Ryan Kelly (concussion), T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) and Jordan Mason (ankle) would not have participated.”

That list alone features several cornerstone players, including Hockenson, whose presence in the passing game is vital, and Kelly, a stabilizing force on the offensive line. McCarthy’s hand issue also raises questions about the Vikings’ quarterback depth moving forward.

Full rundown highlights short-week concerns

The projected injury report revealed just how crowded the list has become. Tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), center Ryan Kelly (concussion), running back Jordan Mason (ankle), quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand), and tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) were all listed as non-participants.

Meanwhile, Aaron Jones (ankle), defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (thigh), and linebacker Eric Wilson (thumb) were listed as limited participants.

There were a few positives, as tight end Gavin Bartholomew, running back Ty Chandler, and linebacker Austin Keys were designated full participants. However, the overall picture remains concerning, particularly given the timing.

Short week amplifies pressure on Minnesota

What makes the situation more precarious is Minnesota Vikings’ upcoming short week. Limited recovery time often complicates injury management, and several players now face an uphill battle to be game-ready.

For a team aiming to maintain momentum, the inability to practice and properly evaluate injuries adds another layer of uncertainty.

The Vikings’ depth will be tested as coaching and medical staffs work against the clock to get key contributors healthy.

While Sunday’s win added another mark to the victory column, the growing injury list threatens to undermine that progress if solutions aren’t found quickly.