The Minnesota Vikings will be mostly healthy heading into the playoffs as their injury report only lists two players with designations against the Saints.
It’s that intense time of year where teams battle for supremacy. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings drew a familiar opponent in the New Orleans Saints for a game that will be played on Sunday.
These two teams are packed with talent and should put on an entertaining game for fans watching at home and in the stadium, but not all the talented players will be able to suit up for the game.
Let’s take a look at the injury report for the upcoming game in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs as shared on the team’s official website:
Minnesota Vikings
RULED OUT
- Mackensie Alexander, cornerback – knee
DOUBTFUL
- – none –
QUESTIONABLE
- Ifeadi Odenigbo, defensive end – hamstring
Earlier this week, Alexander being out would have hurt. However, with the news of Mike Hughes being placed on IR, this limits their defensive backs against a team with a prolific passing attack. Missing both Hughes and Alexander will put a lot of pressure on the secondary, but will also allow Holton Hill and other defensive backs opportunities to step up.
Meanwhile, Odenigbo has been quietly putting together a breakthrough season for Minnesota. This year, he proved he can be counted on in a backup and rotational role and will likely be a priority for a bigger role in 2020.
The best thing to come from this injury report is the health of the running backs as well as linebacker Eric Kendricks. Both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison are expected to be suited up and ready for the big game on Sunday and a balanced attack will be needed if the purple and gold want to trade punches with New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints
RULED OUT
- Mario Edwards Jr., defensive tackle – hamstring
- Sheldon Rankins, defensive tackle – Achilles
DOUBTFUL
- – none –
QUESTIONABLE
- Craig Robertson, linebackers – hamstring
It’s curious why Rankins was included on this injury report since his season was finished a few weeks ago and placed in injured reserve. The team will have David Onyemata in his starting spot on Sunday.
The defensive line will be missing a little punch with Edwards missing the game. He had three sacks and eight total tackles this season before struggling with the hamstring injury in a limited/backup role.
Otherwise, expect the New Orleans Saints to be ready to roll for Sunday.
With the season on the line, expect every team to give everything they have in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Best of luck to the Minnesota Vikings as they attempt to upset the New Orleans Saints.