Vikings could be without two top defensive starters vs. the Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Trae Waynes are dealing with injuries that could keep them sidelined on Sunday night.

After a tough loss on the road the Kansas City Chiefs last week, the Minnesota Vikings will be looking to rebound in another road matchup on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

With the Cowboys currently sitting with a 5-3 record, it’s going to be a difficult task for the Vikings to get a win this week. And with the way Minnesota’s injury report is looking after Thursday’s practice, getting a win on Sunday might be even tougher.

On Thursday, the Vikings had a few players listed as non-participants in practice including Adam Thielen, Linval Joseph, and Trae Waynes. Thielen is already not expected to suit up on Sunday against Dallas, but the status of Joseph and Waynes for Week 10 is still unknown.

Joseph not practicing on Thursday was a bit of a surprise since he was listed as a full participant on Wednesday. He’s currently dealing with a knee injury and if he can’t play on Sunday, his absence would be a big blow to the middle of Minnesota’s defensive line.

As for Waynes, he was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury and then him not practicing on Thursday was not injury related according to the team. However, his status for the Vikings’ matchup against the Cowboys seems to still be up in the air.

Waynes not playing on Sunday certainly wouldn’t be as big of a loss for the defense as Joseph. The veteran cornerback is coming off a terrible game against the Chiefs and him not suiting up in Dallas would give Minnesota the opportunity to see how some of their other corners could do in his place.

The Vikings’ final injury report will come out on Friday and even if Joseph and Waynes’ injury designations cause an increase in optimism, it wouldn’t be shocking if one or both are game-time decisions on Sunday.