Vikings vs. Steelers Week 14 Injury Report: Two starters out for Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings won’t be at full strength for their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 14.

Week 14 bring the Pittsburgh Steelers to U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday night to take on a Minnesota Vikings team that is coming off a disappointing loss to the previously winless Detroit Lions on Sunday.

This should be a good game between two tough teams looking to stay in the playoff hunt this season. Of course, they will have a better chance of victory if their best players are healthy and able to participate in the game.

Here is the Week 14 injury report, according to the official Vikings website.

Minnesota Vikings

OUT

• Christian Darrisaw, OT – ankle
• Adam Thielen, WR – ankle

QUESTIONABLE

• Camryn Bynum, S – ankle
• Dalvin Cook, RB – shoulder
• Blake Lynch, LB – hip

Christian Darrisaw will miss another week and it is clear that Oli Udoh seems to be the Vikings‘ choice to replace him. It’s a confusing option since Rashod Hill filled in for him at the start of the season, but Hill will sit despite not being on the injury report.

It’s no surprise that Adam Thielen will sit this game out because his high-ankle sprain will likely sideline him for multiple weeks. It will be up to K.J. Osborn to fill in for Theilen and hopefully pick up some slack, especially in the red zone.

The most surprising thing in this report is that Dalvin Cook isn’t ruled out. There is a chance he could play despite his two hurt shoulders. It’s understandable the team wants their best players on the field, but let’s hope they don’t rush him back into action. If he can’t go, Alexander Mattison is bound to get the bulk of Minnesota carries.

Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, and Michael Pierce were all removed from the list and are set to re-join the defense. Their returns should be a boost for a defense that was also without Patrick Peterson, who will be in action on Thursday.

*No players were listed as doubtful for Minnesota

Pittsburgh Steelers

OUT

• Isaiah Buggs, DL – ankle
• B.J. Finney, OL – back
• Joe Haden, CB – foot
• Robert Spillane, LB – knee

The Steelers are extremely banged up on the offensive line. With Finney out, John Leglue is set to start in this place at left guard. This change might give the Vikings a bit of an advantage of Dalvin Tomlinson can play well.

Defensively, Haden being out means some more playing time for Justin Layne and Buggs will likely be replaced by Henry Mondeaux. It will be interesting to see if Minnesota can take advantage of these changes.

*No players were listed as questionable or doubtful for Pittsburgh

Will the returning Minnesota Vikings players be enough to help them beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football? Or will the team fall short and suffer a disappointing loss in Week 14?