Vikings Injuries: Updates on Danielle Hunter and Cam Dantzler vs. Colts

While a few notable players are expected to return, injuries could still force some impactful Minnesota Vikings to miss Week 15 vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

Last week’s matchup with the Detroit Lions was definitely made much more difficult for the Minnesota Vikings when they found out they would be without Harrison Smith, Garrett Bradbury, and Christian Darrisaw due to various injuries.

Unfortunately, these injuries proved to be too much for the Vikings to overcome, as they were handed their third loss of the 2022 season by the Lions last weekend.

Against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, Darrisaw, Smith, and Bradbury are all expected to be back on the field for Minnesota. Hopefully, these returns will lead to the Vikings getting a win over the Colts and improving their current record to 11-3.

Minnesota Vikings “optimistic” Danielle Hunter will play vs. Indianapolis Colts

Heading into Week 15, Minnesota pass rusher Danielle Hunter has already played more games this season than he did during the two previous seasons combined.

However, his status for Saturday became a bit uncertain earlier this week when he popped up on the Vikings’ injury report with a neck injury. Some Minnesota fans probably had bad flashbacks when they saw that Hunter is dealing with an injured neck, but luckily, it sounds like he still has a good chance to suit up against Indianapolis this weekend.

Minnesota Vikings roster move points to no Cam Dantzler in Week 15

Even though Vikings cornerback Cam Dantzler was able to return to practice on Thursday, the team made a roster move on Friday that seems like an indication that the young corner won’t be playing against the Colts this weekend.

Minnesota elevated cornerback Parry Nickerson from the practice squad to the active roster on Friday, which now gives the team a total of seven corners on their active roster.

This could be a decision that was made just in case Dantzler can’t suit up. But based on some of the precautions the Vikings have already taken with players this season when it’s come to injuries and illnesses, the addition of Nickerson to the active roster feels like a clear sign that Dantzler won’t be playing against Indianapolis.

Harrison Smith ready to return for Minnesota Vikings in Week 15 vs. Indianapolis Colts

After missing last week’s game in Detroit with a neck injury, Harrison Smith wasn’t even among those included on Minnesota’s final injury report for Week 15. The return of the veteran safety should at least give the Vikings’ defense a better chance to not perform as poorly as they did last Sunday.

Minnesota left tackle Christian Darrisaw will be back on the field for the purple and gold this weekend as well. Darrisaw has been out of action for the team’s last three games due to a concussion.

Below is the final injury report for both the Vikings and Colts heading into Saturday’s matchup.

Vikings Final Injury Report:

• Garrett Bradbury (C) – QUESTIONABLE with a back injury
• Cameron Dantzler (CB) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness
• Danielle Hunter (OLB) – QUESTIONABLE with a neck injury
• Patrick Jones (OLB) – QUESTIONABLE with an illness
• Harrison Phillips (DL) – QUESTIONABLE with a back injury

Colts Final Injury Report:

• Kenny Moore II (CB) – OUT with an ankle injury
• Mike Strachen (WR) – OUT with a concussion
• Brandon Facyson (CB) – DOUBTFUL with an illness