Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Divisional playoffs vs. 49ers

How healthy are the Minnesota Vikings heading into their Divisional Round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday?

Very few people expected the Minnesota Vikings to be playing in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Their surprising upset of the New Orleans Saints shocked the football world and set up a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Much like their previous opponents, the 49ers are were 13-3 this season and boast one of the most complete rosters in the league. They will be a massive challenge to the Vikings, who need to travel to California for the game on Saturday.

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

• Jayron Kearse, safety – toe/knee

QUESTIONABLE

• Adam Thielen, wide receiver – ankle

The news was released that Alexander was to have a procedure on his knee on Thursday, so it wasn’t a surprise that his name appeared on the injury report. In fact, it would be a bit shocking if he does return to the team during their playoff run.

Kearse missing this game would put Minnesota’s special teams and secondary depth into question. The purple and gold are already struggling with cornerbacks on the shelf so losing another defensive back would hurt a bit.

However, the biggest name to watch is Thielen, who reportedly Tom Pelissero reported on Twitter that he cut his foot during practice and needed stitches, but it is hard to imagine the wide receiver missing a game of this importance. If he can’t go, much of the pressure to pick up his slack will land on the shoulders of Stefon Diggs.

San Francisco 49ers

RULED OUT

• – none –

DOUBTFUL

• – none –

QUESTIONABLE

• Dee Ford, defensive line – quadricep/hamstring
• Kentavius Street, offensive line – knee

It’s not out of the ordinary for a team to be healthy after a week off. The 49ers had a first-round bye in the playoffs thanks to earning the number one seed and used that time to heal and rest in preparation for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

The 49ers have so much talent available that even missing Dee Ford wouldn’t hurt them too badly. They still have plenty of talent to rush the passer and contain the line of scrimmage that Minnesota will have their hands full.

The Minnesota Vikings will need all available players if they want to upset the San Francisco 49ers and advance to the Conference Championship game. Let’s hope Adam Thielen and Jayron Kearse are good to go on Saturday!