Who will be sitting out of the Minnesota Vikings week 15 contest against the Indianapolis Colts and which injured players have a chance of suiting up?
Injuries have taken a major toll on the Minnesota Vikings during the course of the 2016 NFL season. Many important players on both sides of the ball have missed time this season due to various ailments.
Minnesota will need to be as able as possible with the Indianapolis Colts coming to town. They are a dangerous and unpredictable team that can strike at will and put together some solid games at times.
Here is a list of the Vikings and Colts players who will either be on the sidelines during week 15 or have a chance of sitting out according to the final injury reports submitted on Friday, December 16, 2016 on the official Vikings website:
Minnesota Vikings
Out
- Brandon Fusco, guard – concussion
- Harrison Smith, safety – ankle
- Laquon Treadwell, wide receiver – ankle
- Trae Waynes, cornerback – concussion
Doubtful
- -none-
Questionable
- Mackensie Alexander, cornerback – abdomen
- Matt Asiata, running back – ankle
- Joe Berger, center – concussion
The biggest concern here is the loss of Trae Waynes. While he’s a young cornerback who is still honing his craft, having both him and Alexander possibly missing the game puts the Minnesota secondary in a bad situation, especially since they’ll be with Harrison Smith once again. Fusco has been having a rough season so far, and if Berger can play, he should be able to fill in at guard in his absence.
Indianapolis Colts
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Out
- Denzelle Good, offensive line – hamstring
- Arthur Jones, defensive tackle – groin
- Donte Moncrief, wide receiver – hamstring
- Joe Reitz, offensive tackle – back
Doubtful
- -none-
Questionable
- Dwayne Allen, tight end – hip
- Phillip Dorsett, wide receiver – groin
- T.J. Green, safety – ankle
- Zach Kerr, defensive tackle – concussion
The big story here is that the Colts will be missing starting offensive linemen. The Vikings should be licking their chops at the thoughts of getting to Andrew Luck. Not only that, but Moncrief is a solid target for Luck, who may have to look to other pass catchers to make plays.
Next: Adrian Peterson could return in week 15
Of course, Adrian Peterson also might be added to the roster before the game on Sunday, meaning he could take over running back duties. While that has yet to be seen, keep a close eye on his status going into the Sunday, December 18, 2016 Minnesota Vikings game against the Colts.