While there's still some uncertainty about who will be taking the field on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the final Minnesota Vikings injury report for Week 7 (along with a report from a national insider) has provided a few answers.
On Friday, the Vikings announced that running back Aaron Jones, tight end T.J. Hockenson, edge rusher Patrick Jones II, defensive lineman Harrison Phillips, and guard Dalton Risner are all questionable for this weekend's matchup, while linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Akayleb Evans have already been ruled out for the contest.
#DETvsMIN injury report
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 18, 2024
OUT: Blake Cashman and Akayleb Evans
QUESTIONABLE: T.J. Hockenson*, Pat Jones II, Aaron Jones Sr., Harrison Phillips and Dalton Risner*
*Returned to Practice/Designated to Return from Injured Reserve - Currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/sSuEEvVtNg
Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson listed as questionable on final Minnesota Vikings injury report for Week 7 vs. the Detroit Lions
So, after exiting Minnesota's most recent game early and missing Wednesday's practice, it seems like Jones actually has a good chance to suit up against Detroit on Sunday. Especially after NFL Media's Ian Rapoport also shared on Friday that the Vikings running back will "likely" play in the big NFC North matchup this weekend.
As for Hockenson and Risner, neither player has been added to Minnesota's active roster yet this season, so corresponding moves will need to be made before Sunday's game if the team determines that they are healthy enough to play.
Cashman and Evans already being ruled out shouldn't come as a surprise since both didn't practice all week. Cashman is currently dealing with a toe injury, while Evans has been sidelined by a hip injury.
When it comes to the Lions, it seems like cornerback Carlton Davis will actually play this weekend despite sitting out Detroit's practices on Wednesday and Thursday with a quad injury. Davis is the Lions' top corner, and he told the Detroit Free Press on Friday that he's "good" to take the field against the Vikings on Sunday.
While Davis seems to be on track to play this week, Detroit starting right guard Kevin Zeitler, who the team listed as questionable for Sunday with a groin injury on the team's final injury report, is not expected to be in the lineup against Minnesota.
So, both teams will be without at least one starter this weekend, but for the most part, the Vikings and Lions will have the majority of their top players on the field for a game that has the potential to be one of the best in the entire 2024 NFL season.