Despite a rib injury, Stefon Diggs expects to play against Detroit

The Minnesota Vikings star wideout suffered a rib injury in the loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday, but he is still optimistic he’ll suit up this week.

The first half of the 2018 season has been a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings as they’ve had stretches of up-and-down play on the field that has resulted a record of 4-3-1.

On top of the start that has fallen below the Vikings’ lofty expectations their season began with, there has been a rash of injuries that has intensified over the past couple weeks.

The latest victim to the purge within the Minnesota locker room is wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The star receiver suffered a rib injury that he said was caused by, “hitting the ground,” on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but he still ended up finishing the game.

Minnesota Vikings

So far this week, Diggs has missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, but there is hope that he’ll be able to go on Friday in order to play against the Detroit Lions this week. According to Diggs though, there is nothing to be worried about as he expects to play on Sunday.

ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported on Thursday Diggs was also seen on the field during the Vikings’ practice, which could be a good sign for Sunday.

Minnesota is hoping that their talented receiver is healthy enough to play this week as the teams continues to recover from injuries across the board.

Both linebacker Anthony Barr and guard Tom Compton have not practiced this week according to the Vikings’ official injury report on Thursday and the team also hopes to get back tackle Riley Reiff and cornerback Xavier Rhodes this week, who both missed last Sunday’s loss to the Saints.

Either way, the loss of Diggs would put more on the plate of running back Latavius Murray and fellow receiver Adam Thielen against the Lions as Minnesota tries to establish some momentum heading into the bye week.