The Minnesota Vikings have been dealing with an unfortunate number of injuries through the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season. They had to place a few players in injured reserve while others dealt with ailments and went through concussion protocol.
Three of the players on Wednesday's injury report for the Vikings are dealing with concussion protocol. Center Ryan Kelly, cornerback Jeff Okudah, offensive tackle Justin Skule, and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel are all working toward hopefully being ready for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
There is a chance the Minnesota Vikings could get some help in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On that injury report, two of those players participated in practice for the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully, this means they have a chance to suit up on Sunday and help the team rebound from an ugly Sunday Night Football performance.
Defensive back Jeff Okudah was a full participant in practice, which is a great sign for his possible return to action. Okudah gives experience to a Minnesota secondary that lacks depth and seems to be comfortable in Brian Flores' defense.
Meanwhile, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was limited in Wednesday's practice. Although he wasn't a full-go, it's a great sign that he could be on the right track to contribute against the Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Sadly, Justin Skule and Ryan Kelly did not practice on Wednesday. Skule has been filling in for Christian Darrisaw as the Vikings' starting left tackle, while Kelly was signed this offseason to be the team's starting center. With Darrisaw being a full participant, it would be amazing to get Minnesota's bookend back in the lineup.
Coach Kevin O'Connell has already ruled quarterback J.J. McCarthy out with an ankle sprain. With him out on Sunday, Carson Wentz will step in to start and hopefully give the Vikings their second win of the season.
Sadly, the list of players on Injured Reserve is piling up. The list includes Blake Cashman, Ty Chandler, Zeke Correll, Aaron Jones, Rondale Moore, Matt Nelson, and Alexander Musch Williams.
Then there are the two players who are on Injured Reserve but have been designated to return. Fullback C.J. Ham and edge rusher Tyler Batty will miss at least two more games while recovering, but could be available as soon as Week 5. However, since Minnesota has a bye in Week 6, don't expect the team to rush them back into action.