Minnesota Vikings Week 5 Injury Report: Barr set to return vs. Lions
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings will be getting their Pro Bowl linebacker back in Week 5 just in time for their first divisional matchup of the season.
Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season has arrived and the Minnesota Vikings are sadly sitting with a 1-3 record. While there is still a lot of time to turn the season around, the momentum needs to start with their game against the Detroit Lions.
Detroit is winless this year so far and should be considered heavy underdogs when they face off against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. However, much of how that game goes could come down to who is healthy enough to play and who will be watching from the sidelines.
The final injury report for the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions was released and some of the names on this list could make a big impact on the outcome. Here is the report from the team’s official website:
Minnesota Vikings
OUT
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR – toe
- Michael Pierce, DT – elbow/shoulder
QUESTIONABLE
- Dalvin Cook, RB – ankle
Anthony Barr will likely play his first game with the Vikings since Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season. He should help out Eric Kendricks, and a defense that looked better against the Browns but still has a lot of work to do to be more consistent and stingy. However, it will be interesting to see if Barr is rusty or how effective he can be.
Sadly, defensive tackle Michael Pierce was a game-time decision last week but took the field. His elbow/shoulder injury seems to have been aggravated, and he has already been ruled out for this week. Armon Watts is the most likely player to take his place in the starting defense.
Dalvin Cook also played in Week 4 but didn’t look like himself. He limped off the field and returned to practice this week with that injured ankle back on the report. Minnesota could choose to rest him or play him this week and how the team approaches this decision will be interesting.
*No players were listed as doubtful for the Vikings.
Detroit Lions
QUESTIONABLE
- Trey Flowers, OLB – knee
- T.J. Hockenson, TE – knee
- Penei Sewell, OT – ankle
- D’Andre Swift, RB – groin
- Jamaal Williams, RB – hip
Detroit’s offense is in some major trouble. Their rookie tackle is banged up and several of their offensive weapons are dealing with an injury that may not keep them out of the game but could have an impact on their performance.
The Lions don’t have a team that can afford to be without contributors. Their wide receiver group lacks star power,k their running backs are banged up, and the line is struggling. If they hope to keep up with Minnesota, Goff will have to have one heck of a day.
*No players were listed as out or doubtful for the Lions.
Which player’s injury do you think will have the biggest impact on the Week 5 game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions? And will we finally see Anthony Barr on the football field? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.