Kevin O'Connell expects Jordan Mason, Christian Darrisaw, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison to participate in Wednesday's practice, giving the Minnesota Vikings a chance to regain four important offensive players before Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 5-0 Vikings are coming off their Week 6 bye with Kyler Murray showing progress and a running game averaging 30.4 attempts per week, the fourth-most in the NFL. Defense and special teams have carried plenty of the burden. Minnesota's offense has shown flashes, but getting healthier could help turn those flashes into more consistent production.
All four players last took the field together in the season opener against Green Bay, but Mason's late-game injury cut short their only opportunity to play as a group this season.
Minnesota Vikings injury returns could restore Kevin O'Connell's offensive options
Mason fractured his thumb in Week 1, needed surgery, and missed the next four games on injured reserve. Minnesota opened his 21-day return-to-practice window on Monday, but he still needs to be activated before he can play against the Colts.
Aaron Jones has handled a demanding workload without Mason, including 25 carries for 113 yards against New Orleans in Week 5. Mason's physical running between the tackles would let O'Connell rotate backs again instead of leaning so heavily on Jones.
Darrisaw suffered a concussion against Miami in Week 4 and missed the Week 5 Saints game. His return would strengthen the left edge of the line, but Donovan Jackson's season-ending knee injury still leaves Minnesota piecing together the guard spot beside him.
Hockenson sustained a concussion on Minnesota's second offensive play against the Saints on October 11 and missed nearly the entire game. He had just caught 13 passes for 119 yards against Miami, showing how useful he can be as Murray's middle-of-the-field target.
Addison has missed one game since a hamstring injury kept him out against New Orleans. Opponents already have to focus on Justin Jefferson. Addison's return would provide another deep threat and create more space for Hockenson underneath.
Darrisaw and Hockenson must clear concussion protocol, while Mason needs an active-roster spot for each to suit up on Sunday. Minnesota shouldn't rush anyone, though. A Week 8 trip to Detroit follows Indianapolis. Even if all four return, O'Connell will have to manage a line missing Jackson and a tight end group without injured blocker Josh Oliver. Those absences could become especially costly against the Lions' defensive front.
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