{"id":872676,"date":"2025-09-13T21:12:05","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T02:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/13\/vikings-rule-out-3-heavy-hitters-for-falcons-game\/"},"modified":"2025-09-13T21:12:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T02:12:05","slug":"vikings-rule-out-3-heavy-hitters-for-falcons-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/13\/vikings-rule-out-3-heavy-hitters-for-falcons-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings Rule Out 3 Heavy Hitters for Falcons Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

Football <\/p>\n

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\"FootballMinnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown on Sep 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Van Ginkel\u2019s defensive score against the New York Giants highlighted his impact as Minnesota\u2019s defense delivered momentum-changing plays in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/USATSI_24188388.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/USATSI_24188388.jpg”>

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown on Sep 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Van Ginkel\u2019s defensive score against the New York Giants highlighted his impact as Minnesota\u2019s defense delivered momentum-changing plays in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Minnesota Vikings published their final injury report on Friday<\/a>, two days before a Sunday Night Football<\/em> date with the Atlanta Falcons.<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings released their final injury report on Friday, and three big names won\u2019t be available for Sunday Night Football.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The list is a bit long for comfort, especially for just Week 2<\/a> of the regular season. <\/p>\n

Football Vikings Injury Report | Week 2<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not very promising for the purple infirmary report this early in the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dec 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) and Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) chase a fumble by quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Darrisaw recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<\/p>\n

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Christian-Darrisaw.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=586,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Christian-Darrisaw.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Christian-Darrisaw.jpg” alt=”Christian Darrisaw recovers a Kirk Cousins fumble as Von Miller closes in at U.S. Bank Stadium.”>

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) recovers a fourth-quarter fumble on Dec 26, 2021, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The play came as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Von Miller (40) pressured Kirk Cousins, forcing the ball loose. Darrisaw\u2019s hustle prevented a turnover during a crucial NFC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Christian Darrisaw Out (ACL)<\/h3>\n

For three months, optimism has swirled over Darrisaw\u2019s return from a torn ACL that he suffered in October 2024. His summer went great, and he\u2019s even practicing fully now <\/em>in Eagan.<\/p>\n

Yet, when the rubber has hit the road for regular season readiness, Darrisaw\u2019s injury recovery continues to mirror T.J. Hockenson\u2019s last year. That is \u2014 holding him out of an abundance of caution.<\/p>\n

Once again, Minnesota will rely on reserve left tackle Justin Skule <\/a>against the Falcons, a man who didn\u2019t play overly well in Week 1, logging a 55.8 Pro Football Focus<\/em> grade<\/a> at Chicago. The build-up to Week 3 versus the Cincinnati Bengals will also feature a Darrisaw waiting game.<\/p>\n

No Andrew Van Ginkel (Concussion)<\/h3>\n

The Bears game also did Andrew Van Ginkel no favors, knocking the versatile pass rusher out of Week 2 with a concussion. Such recoveries, per return to regular season games, usually take nine days. So, the good news on Van Ginkel: he should be fully ready for Week 3 against Joe Burrow and friends.<\/p>\n

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Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/avgnyg.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=674,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/avgnyg.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/avgnyg.jpg” alt=”Andrew Van Ginkel returns an interception for a touchdown against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.”>

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) races to the end zone after intercepting a pass on Sep 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. His touchdown against the New York Giants provided a pivotal momentum shift as Minnesota\u2019s defense delivered a statement play in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Without Van Ginkel, second-year outside linebacker Dallas Turner<\/a> will get the start and likely play his most snaps ever in a regular season game. Turner has the chance to truly break out against Atlanta, the team many pundits and fans would pick him in the 2024 NFL Draft. <\/p>\n

A Concussion for Jeff Okudah, Too<\/h3>\n

Like Van Ginkel, Okudah suffered a concussion at the Bears, an injury that occurred on the game\u2019s final play. He\u2019ll miss Sunday Night Football<\/em>. Okudah played just 16 defensive snaps in Week 1, so it\u2019s unclear if he would\u2019ve played a large role anyway in Week 2.<\/p>\n

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Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings cB Jeff Okudah during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jeff-Okudah.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=594,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jeff-Okudah.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jeff-Okudah.jpg” alt=”Caleb Williams drops back to pass with Jeff Okudah in coverage at Soldier Field.”>

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to throw against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah during first-half action on Sep 8, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago. The rookie passer faced tight coverage from Minnesota\u2019s secondary as the NFC North rivals clashed in an early-season divisional showdown. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The next man up on the depth chart? An undrafted free agent from the 2024 class, cornerback Dwight McGlothern. <\/p>\n

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said about McGlothern<\/a> this week: \u201cYeah, I mean, we got Nudie (Dwight McGlothern). Nudie obviously had a really good training camp and he\u2019s somebody we feel good about,\u201d Flores said Thursday. \u201cSo in those situations, he would go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkudah is in the protocol. We\u2019ll take that day-by-day and see how that all shakes out, but Nudie would be the first guy that comes to mind. And we got a lot of confidence in him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Questionable: Harrison Smith<\/h3>\n

Still battling a mysterious ailment, Smith is officially questionable \u2014 an oxymoron, right? \u2014 for SNF. Smith told reporters this week that he was ramping up to practice and play, but his game-readiness is not certain for the Falcons tilt.<\/p>\n

Sans Smith, safety Jay Ward<\/a> played quite well on Monday, and of course, recently-promoted Theo Jackson is hungry for his increased role.<\/p>\n

Smith News and Notes<\/h3>\n

ESPN\u2019s Kevin Seifert wrote<\/a> about Smith this week: \u201cMinnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith said Wednesday that he has made progress in his recovery from a personal health issue that began last month and is confident that he will resume playing in less than three weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking publicly for the first time since the ordeal began, Smith declined to be specific about the nature of the issue other than to say it was \u2018physical\u2019 \u2014 as opposed to a mental health matter. The Vikings are preparing for Sunday night\u2019s game against the Atlanta Falcons on a short week after playing Monday night in Chicago, and on Wednesday they had only a walk-through planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates with linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) after a sack in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/USATSI_21547649.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/USATSI_21547649.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/USATSI_21547649.jpg” alt=”Vikings S Harrison Smith and Jordan Hicks celebrate a late sack against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.”>

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates a fourth-quarter sack with linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) on Oct 1, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The defensive duo energized Minnesota late in the game, combining pressure and experience to help secure a road victory over the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Smith ranks eighth in Vikings history in total games played. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Smith, who practiced last Saturday for the first time since Aug. 11, said he planned to continue pushing forward. The Vikings did not place Smith on injured reserve when the season began, indicating they hoped Smith\u2019s recovery timetable would be shorter than the four-game minimum absence required for players on IR,\u201d Seifert added.<\/p>\n

All told, Minnesota will be without these starters against the Falcons:<\/p>\n

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\u2014 C.J. Ham
\u2014 Jeff Okudah
\u2014 Blake Cashman
\u2014 Jordan Addison
\u2014 Christian Darrisaw
\u2014 Andrew Van Ginkel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

So six \u2014 and seven if Smith can\u2019t play.<\/p>\n

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<\/main><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Read More<\/a> Dustin Baker<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown on Sep 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Van Ginkel\u2019s defensive score against the New York Giants highlighted his impact as Minnesota\u2019s defense delivered momentum-changing plays in the second half. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images. The Minnesota<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":872677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3790,757,3516],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-872676","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"category-heavy","9":"category-vikings"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872676","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=872676"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872676\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/872677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=872676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=872676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=872676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}