A complete rundown of Vikings injuries before Week 1 of the 2022 season

Vikings whose status in question for Week 1

Irv Smith Jr. – TE

For the second-straight summer, Irv Smith Jr. was sidelined by an injury a few weeks ago when he hurt his thumb enough that it required surgery to repair. Luckily for Smith and the Vikings, this year’s injury was much less severe than the knee injury that caused him to miss the entire 2021 season.

Minnesota’s top tight end recently returned to practice and the team’s plan still seems to be for him to play in Week 1 against the Packers. But that, of course, will depend on Smith’s recovery progress.

Andrew Booth Jr. – CB

In his second-ever preseason game with the Vikings, rookie cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. left the matchup with an ankle injury. Despite the injured ankle, Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell still anticipates that Booth will be ready to play in the team’s regular-season opener against Green Bay.

Jalen Nailor – WR

During the Vikings’ final exhibition matchup of the preseason against the Denver Broncos, Minnesota rookie wide receiver Jalen Nailor left the contest with a concussion. Nailor still remains in concussion protocol and his status for Week 1 is definitely up in the air.

And even if he clears the concussion protocol, it still wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up being among the Vikings’ inactives for their regular-season opener.

Troy Dye – LB

Minnesota linebacker Troy Dye apparently suffered a foot injury during one of the team’s joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this summer. Dye then re-aggravated the injury in the Vikings’ preseason finale against the Broncos.

There haven’t been indications that the Minnesota linebacker won’t be ready for Week 1, but don’t be surprised if he ends up on the team’s first injury report next week.