Minnesota Vikings DT Linval Joseph out for game vs Seahawks

The NFC North leading Minnesota Vikings will be without dominating defensive tackle Linval Joseph for Sunday’s week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Things will be a little more difficult for the Minnesota Vikings when they face off against the Seahawks on Sunday. Not only will they be without safety and special teams ace Andrew Sendejo, but they will also be missing their big defensive presence in the middle, Linval Joseph.

According to an article today on the Vikings.com website, an injury to Joseph’s foot will keep him sidelined.

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) celebrates his tackle against St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota does have some depth at defensive tackle, with backup Tom Johnson being a solid player to plug in and recent signing Kenrick Ellis being a big body to clog running lanes. However, Linval Joseph is playing as such a high level for the Vikings that it will be very difficult for Johnson or Ellis to match his level of play.

Following the Green Bay Packers win on Thursday Night Football, the Minnesota Vikings game against Seattle is even more important. Not only can the Vikings stay on top of the NFC North with a win, but they can also push the Seahawks down, as they are also in the hunt for one of the Wild Card spots in the NFL playoffs.

Hopefully, Linval Joseph’s foot injury heals quickly and he can be available for the Minnesota Vikings soon. His big presence in the middle has been a major factor in several games to this point, and the boys in purple will need his help to finish the season strong and hopefully be a playoff team.