The Minnesota Vikings will be a bit banged up heading into their critical Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Still, the biggest concern right now is linebacker Blake Cashman.
During the Vikings' 23-6 Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Cashman left the game early with a concussion and did not return after being checked out in the blue medical tent. He finished the game tied with a season-high 12 tackles, two pass deflections, and one tackle for loss.
In the Vikings' first Week 10 injury report, Cashman was listed as "DNP" (did not participate) in the team's first practice of the week, as he is currently in concussion protocol, which he must remain in for at least five days under NFL rules. After what Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said about Cashman, there is major concern about his availability to play against the Packers.
Blake Cashman's status for Minnesota Vikings-Green Bay Packers showdown is up in the air
O'Connell spoke with the media ahead of the Packers game, covering the week's biggest story: the Vikings trading for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Another major topic was Cashman's progress through concussion protocol, as O'Connell shared how he's doing.
"We won't be on the field until tomorrow, but did want to give you guys the projected injury report later this afternoon. I know you'll get it, but the one that I wanted to make sure I mentioned was Blake Cashman.
"He had the kind of the stinger evaluation going on and then did end up taking a hit, or more than likely giving a hit late on that, later on in that game. And he is currently in the concussion protocol. So, obviously, with a short week, he's doing really, really well, but I'll keep you guys posted on him."
LIVE: Head Coach Kevin O'Connell https://t.co/avFbDZb3fb
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 11, 2026
Cashman has been on pace for a career season with the Vikings and is widely regarded as one of the NFL's best linebackers. He has racked up 76 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, 4.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Pro Football Focus gave him the second-highest overall grade among 79 eligible linebackers, at 86.8. He also has a coverage grade of 82.6 (ranked third), a run-defense grade of 69.3 (ranked 27th), and a pass-rush grade of 82.0 (ranked sixth).
Vikings need Cashman for Packers game -- if he can play
The kind of weapon that Cashman is on the Vikings' defense makes him such an important piece of this roster. He's been a key contributor to defensive coordinator Brian Flores's scheme over the years, but this season has felt different.
Flores has not been afraid to use Cashman on blitzes and get him rushing the quarterback. Cashman has been used time and time again, and he's been successful. He's had 16 pressures this season, so he's been successful on his blitzes.
Cashman has been great at pressuring the quarterback, but he's also been one of the league's best coverage linebackers. He's allowed a 75.9 passer rating this season, showing that he can stop the pass.
This Packers offense has been one of the best passing offenses, ranked second with 279.7 yards per game. It's not lost on the Vikings that Cashman is a key player in this defense, as he can rush Jordan Love while preventing him from attacking the middle of the field with tight ends and wide receivers running crossing routes.
Minnesota hopes the next few days will give them a chance to see how Cashman looks and whether he can play against the Packers in a massive regular-season showdown. The Vikings would love to see him on the field, but they also need to play the long game.
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