Heading into Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings have two players ruled out for the big divisional matchup.
With the Green Bay Packers losing on Thursday Night Football to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings can catch up some ground on the NFC North by getting a big win over the Chicago Bears, a division opponent.
The Bears will be no pushover in this Week 4 meeting. They have an incredibly strong defense partnered with an offense that can keep opposing teams guessing. Minnesota will need to play at the top of their game on the road if they want to walk out of Chicago with a win.
That means being as close to full strength as possible would be a great benefit to the purple and gold. Last week, they missed a couple of key players. However, the hope is that the team can have as many talented individuals as possible able to suit up and play on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at who is in and who is out during the Week 4 game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears according to the official injury report!
Minnesota Vikings
RULED OUT
- Kentrell Brothers, linebacker – wrist/hamstring
- Josh Kline, guard – concussion
DOUBTFUL
- – none –
QUESTIONABLE
- Mackensie Alexander, cornerback – elbow
Special teams will take a bit of a hint with Brothers out. While he doesn’t see much action on defense, he has been a great contributor on kickoffs and coverage units since joining the NFL. Meanwhile, being without Kline will be major. The guard has quietly put together a good season on the offensive line, being solid in protection and making paths for Dalvin Cook.
After Mike Hughes returned to the team last week, getting Alexander back would be a major boost to the defense. The secondary lacked depth due to injuries and suspensions and Alexander had a great season in 2018…and should continue to improve in 2019.
Chicago Bears
RULED OUT
- Taylor Gabriel, wide receiver – concussion
- Bilal Nichols, defensive line – hand
DOUBTFUL
- – none –
QUESTIONABLE
- Trey Burton, tight end – groin
- Akiem Hicks, defensive tackle – knee
- Kyle Long, offensive line – hip
- Eddy Piñeiro, kicker – knee
Since Gabriel is out, there is a chance Vikings fans could get to see a larger dose of former kick return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson. Meanwhile, Nichols being out is interesting because it could force Abdullah Anderson into the lineup.
The players who might not suit up for the bears include some big names on offense and defense. Burton, Hicks, Long, and Piñeiro all play major roles on the Chicago team. Even if they aren’t 100%, having them suit up would be big for the Bears.
Don’t miss the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on Sunday. This Week 4 matchup will have major implications on the NFC North, especially since the Bears are the defending division champs.