Vikings Injuries: Updates on Christian Darrisaw and Harrison Smith vs. Lions

Injuries could stand in the way of some of the top Minnesota Vikings players taking the field in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions.

Earlier this week, the injury report for the Minnesota Vikings was looking a bit worrisome as there were some major names unable to practice and prepare with the team for their upcoming Week 14 matchup with the Detroit Lions.

Five Vikings players, including Harrison Smith, Patrick Peterson, and Danielle Hunter, all missed at least one practice session this week due to a non-COVID illness.

Luckily for Minnesota, all five of these players were able to return to the practice field by Friday. With these members of the Vikings’ roster able to return from their illness this week, their shot at getting a victory on Sunday over the Lions is now much higher.

Christian Darrisaw “good to go” for Minnesota Vikings after missing the last two games

After he suffered his second concussion of the season during the first quarter of Minnesota’s Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been out of action for the last two weeks.

On Friday, however, it was revealed that Darrisaw has cleared the concussion protocol, and the outstanding young blocker said that he’s “good to go” for Sunday in Detroit. He sounds optimistic, but he is listed as questionable on Minnesota’s final injury report for the week, so we still have to wait and see whether he plays this weekend or not.

Harrison Smith and Garrett Bradbury banged up for Minnesota Vikings heading into Week 14

Despite recovering enough from his illness to practice on Thursday and Friday, Smith was still just a limited participant this week due to a neck injury. His status for Sunday in Detroit is currently unknown, as the Vikings listed the veteran safety as questionable on their final injury report.

Minnesota might also be without starting center Garrett Bradbury when they take on the Lions this weekend. Bradbury is currently dealing with a back injury, and he is listed as questionable for Sunday.

Below is the final injury report for both the Vikings and Lions.

Vikings Final Injury Report:

• Jonathan Bullard (DE) – OUT with a bicep injury
• Garrett Bradbury (C) – QUESTIONABLE with a back injury
• Christian Darrisaw (LT) – QUESTIONABLE with a concussion
• Harrison Smith (S) – QUESTIONABLE with a neck injury

Lions Final Injury Report:

• Kayode Awosika (OL) – OUT with an ankle injury
• Derrick Barnes (LB) – OUT with a knee injury
• Chase Lucas (CB) – OUT with a hamstring injury
• Evan Brown (OL) – DOUBTFUL with an ankle injury
• Will Harris (CB) – QUESTIONABLE with a hip injury
• Jeff Okudah (CB) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness
• Kalif Raymond (WR) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness
• Nate Sudfeld (QB) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness

Cam Dantzler expected to return for Minnesota Vikings in Week 14

In addition to the possible return of Darrisaw on Sunday, cornerback Cam Dantzler is expected to be back on the field for Minnesota this weekend in Detroit for the first time since Week 9.

Dantzler has been dealing with an ankle injury, and earlier this week, the Vikings designated the cornerback to return from injured reserve. He is expected to be officially removed from Minnesota’s injured reserve list by Sunday.