Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Injury Report: 2 players out vs. Bengals
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings will not be at full strength for their season opener when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The first week of the 2021 NFL season is here. Tampa Bay and Dallas set the tone for what should be a thrilling slate of football this weekend and that includes the Minnesota Vikings traveling to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Minnesota has already dealt with some injuries this year. The team has seven players on their injured/reserve list including tight end Irv Smith Jr., wide receiver Bisi Johnson, and rookie running back Kene Nwangwu.
Now, the attention shifts to the team’s 53 man roster where there are some players dealing with injuries heading into the Sept. 12 matchup against the Bengals. Here is who has either been ruled out or is in danger of missing the game according to the official website of the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings
OUT
- Anthony Barr, LB – knee
- Christian Darrisaw, OT – groin
The good news is that there aren’t really any surprises on this list. Both Barr and Darrisaw had been dealing with ailments that made them unlikely to suit up for Sunday’s game, so seeing them ruled out isn’t shocking in any way.
Rashod Hill will replace Darrisaw at left tackle. He will be tasked with protecting the blind side of quarterback Kirk Cousins. It will be a challenge for the veteran lineman, but if he can hold up, the Minnesota offense could look good.
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see who gets the start in place of Barr at linebacker or how the Vikings will deal with his absence. Eric Kendricks will obviously be in the middle with Nick Vigil beside him, but it is likely to be Blake Lynch on the field with them when the purple and gold roll with three linebackers.
No players were listed as doubtful or questionable for the Vikings.
Cincinnati Bengals
OUT
- Trae Waynes, CB – hamstring
Former Vikings defender Trae Waynes has yet to suit up for regular-season action with the Bengals since arriving in Cincinnati prior to the 2020 NFL season. Waynes is an excellent player in run support and a decent coverage defender. His absence will force Eli Apple onto the field, which should give Adam Thielen or Justin Jefferson a favorable matchup.
No players were listed as doubtful or questionable for the Bengals..
The Minnesota Vikings should be okay against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 despite being without two of their starters. The team has enough talent that overpowering their opponents on the road is the most likely outcome, but getting them back will be important when tougher competition comes later this season.