Vikings expected to have Andrew Sendejo back for Thursday vs. the Lions

The Minnesota Vikings safety said on Tuesday that he anticipates being able to play in the team’s Thanksgiving day game on Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

For the third time this season, the Minnesota Vikings had to take the field last Sunday without the services of safety Andrew Sendejo. A groin injury kept Sendejo out of the Vikings’ Week 11 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, but it does not sound like the injury will prevent the safety from playing this week.

On Tuesday, Sendejo said that he expects to play on Thursday when Minnesota takes on the Detroit Lions according to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.

Sendejo returning this week would be a plus for the Vikings, who would love to have all of their defensive starters available for this important matchup against the Lions. A win on Thursday and Minnesota has an easy path to winning their second NFC North division title in the past three seasons.

In addition to missing the Vikings’ game last week, Sendejo was unable to play in Week 8 due to a one-game suspension and in Week 6 because of a groin injury. Minnesota has still been able to win each game without their safety this year so far.  

It sounds like the Sendejo will be back in action on Thursday, but if he is still unable to suit up, Anthony Harris has done a nice job in his place out on the field this season. This past week against the Rams, Harris led the Vikings’ defense with seven total tackles and had arguably the play of the game when he forced a fumble in the second quarter.

Next: How important is a win vs. the Lions for the Vikings?

With Harris or Sendejo out there on Thursday, Minnesota seems to be in good hands. As long as the Vikings still have head coach Mike Zimmer leading the defense in the right direction, the team’s chances for a win usually seem to remain high this season.