After enduring numerous injuries on their overseas trip over the last two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings are happy to be back in the States, getting healthy. They aren't the only ones who are banged up.
Despite the bye week, the Vikings received some interesting injury news from their next opponents, the Philadelphia Eagles, who are experiencing their ups and downs following their loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. A key injury from that game was starting left guard Landon Dickerson, who left the game early with an ankle injury.
On the Eagles' Monday injury report, Dickerson was listed as having "did not practice" status. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane provided an update on Dickerson on Tuesday, stating that he is not expected to return for the next two games. That just opened the door to the possibility that the Vikings' defensive line might not have to deal with Dickerson.
The Minnesota Vikings defensive line could be in for a monster day against the Eagles
With Dickerson being on the interior offensive line, that could put the Vikings' defensive tackles in a strong position to play well. All eyes will be on guys like Jalen Redmond, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave.
Redmond has been the breakout star of the year for the Vikings, leading the team in sacks with three. Allen and Hargrave have been stronger against the run on the line.
The good news for Minnesota is that the Eagles are one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL after being in the top 10 over the last four years. This will force Philadelphia to throw the football more if they can't break out those big runs in the middle of the line that have helped them with Saquon Barkley over the years.
If Andrew Van Ginkel can return from his neck injury in time for the Eagles game, he and Jonathan Greenard could cause some havoc off the edges as well. Philadelphia might be more than likely to double-team one of them, which opens the door for Redmond, Allen, and Hargrave to have a lane untouched to get to Jalen Hurts.
The Vikings' defense has been one of the best in the NFL, currently ranked sixth in yards allowed per game at 289.8. Forcing the Eagles to throw is the perfect strategy since Minnesota is the third-best team in the league against the pass, allowing just 157.6 yards per game.
A lot can change over the next week plus, but if Dickerson honestly can't go against Minnesota, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is about to have a lot of fun with the Eagles' offense.