The Minnesota Vikings will be missing a rookie corner for Week 2 against the Colts.
Last week, the Minnesota Vikings entered Week 1 with a clean injury report. However, a deeper look at their roster saw they would be without pass rusher Danielle Hunter when he was placed on injured reserve.
Week 2 offers a similar situation with starting guard Pat Elflein going to IR. Although he doesn’t appear on the injury report, the team will be without him on the football field. Once again, the team will need to shuffle players around in hopes of finding something that works.
In Week 2, the Vikings will take on the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium and hope to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers in the season open. Here are the players who might not be available to play in that contest according to the team’s official website.
Minnesota Vikings
OUT
- Cameron Dantzler, cornerback – rib
DOUBTFUL
- – none –
PROBABLE
- – none –
Although there is only one name on the injury report this week, it is a big one. Dantzler saw quite a bit of action in Week 1 and despite some up-and-down play, he gained some valuable experience against a tough Packers offense.
Other players will need to step up in his absence. Jeff Gladney, Holton Hill, and Mike Hughes could see the field more against a passing attack that features quarterback Philip Rivers at the helm with T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell as his top targets.
Indianapolis Colts
OUT
- Jack Doyle, TE – ankle/knee
DOUBTFUL
QUESTIONABLE
- Julian Blackmon safety – knee
- Justin Houston, defensive end – calf
- Isaiah Rodgers, cornerback – ankle
- Zach Pascal. wide receiver, ankle
- Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver – toe
The biggest loss here is Jack Doyle, a tight end who had 448 receiving yards last year to go for four touchdowns. While that doesn’t sound like a lot of production, losing a solid target in their passing game could make the Colts offense struggle.
Indy’s offensive line is perhaps their biggest strength and none of those individuals appear on this week’s injury report. This week will challenge the Vikings pass rush, which is scary considering their lack of pressure last week.
How do you think the Minnesota Vikings will fare without having Cameron Dantzler available for their game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2? And will the team be able to overcome their missed players and get a win? Let us know your opinion in the comments.