Without one of their top defenders, will the Minnesota Vikings be able to defeat the Washington Commanders on the road on Sunday?
For the most part, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t had to deal with any significant injuries this season. Against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, however, the Vikings will have to take the field without defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson.
Tomlinson injured his calf during Minnesota’s win over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend, and Sunday’s matchup with the Commanders will be the first time that the veteran defensive lineman has ever missed a game due to an injury since entering the NFL in 2017.
As for who else is hurting right now for the Vikings, let’s take a look at the final injury report for their Week 9 contest in Washington.
Final Injury Report: Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington Commanders
Vikings Final Injury Report:
- Dalvin Tomlinson (DE) – OUT with a calf injury
- Cameron Dantzler (CB) – QUESTIONABLE with a neck injury
- Jalen Nailor (WR) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness
Tomlinson has already been ruled out by Minnesota, and according to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on Friday, Khyiris Tonga is expected to get some additional snaps this weekend to help make up for the big loss on the defensive line.
Cameron Dantzler possibly missing Sunday’s matchup due to a neck injury is certainly something to keep an eye on. If Dantzler can’t suit up, rookie corner Andrew Booth Jr. should be in line to get his first defensive snaps of the season.
Commanders Final Injury Report:
- Jahan Dotson (WR) – OUT with a hamstring injury
- Cole Holcomb (LB) – OUT with a foot injury
- David Mayo (LB) – OUT with a hamstring injury
- J.D. McKissic (RB) – OUT with a neck injury
- Shaka Toney (DE) – QUESTIONABLE with a calf injury
Washington rookie receiver Jahan Dotson hasn’t played since Week 4 and him being sidelined again this week is good for Minnesota, considering they could possibly be without Dantzler.
The Commanders not having Cole Holcomb in the middle of their defense on Sunday could also make life easier for the Vikings’ rushing attack, especially since the Washington linebacker has the 22nd-best run defense grade from PFF this season among 80 qualifying NFL linebackers.