The Minnesota Vikings had their bye week in Week 6 and now must prepare for an absolutely brutal slate of games on their upcoming schedule. To start the challenging gauntlet, the purple and gold will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7.
The Eagles are the returning champions, but they are also coming off losses to the Denver Broncos and New York Giants in the last two weeks.
Philadelphia has an abundance of talent on its roster, but might not have one of its top defenders available for Sunday's game.
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson might not have to face one of the top Philadelphia Eagles defenders in Week 7
Minnesota also has a talented roster, but they lack a solid quarterback, and they are looking to establish their offense this season. Thankfully, the purple and gold have star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to help make things easier.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Tim McManus shared on X that Philadelphia's top cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell, might not be able to suit up against the Vikings when they come to U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 7.
Mitchell might not be a household name for fans, but he is an excellent cornerback. As a rookie last season, he defended 12 passes and is on pace to shatter that number during the 2025 NFL season.
As the Eagles' top cornerback, he would likely see a lot of Jefferson on Sunday. However, Mitchell left the game last week against the Giants with a hamstring injury.
Even though Philadelphia played last Thursday and has a few extra days to heal, hamstring injuries are notorious for being tricky to return from.
Philadelphia will also be desperate to turn its recent losing streak around. Although they are still on top of the NFC East with a 4-2 record, they have the Commanders breathing down their necks with a 3-3 record.
On the other hand, the Vikings are 3-2 after their bye week and are in third place in the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are excellent teams this season, and every game will count when it comes down to the final weeks of the season.
Minnesota will need to get as much as possible out of its offense on Sunday, and things could be adding up for Jefferson to have a big day against a team that has been a thorn in the side of the Vikings in recent history.