Unfortunately, for the third straight week, veteran linebacker Blake Cashman is among the Minnesota Vikings inactives and he won't be suiting up for the team's game on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Cashman was actually ruled out for the matchup by the Vikings on Friday, along with rookie defensive lineman Taki Taimani. The Minnesota linebacker hasn't been able to play for the last few weeks because of a turf toe injury he suffered back during the team's Week 5 win over the New York Jets.
After ruling Cashman out for the game, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell did reveal on Friday that the veteran defender is "very, very close" to returning. So, hopefully, Sunday's game is the last one before Cashman is able to get back on the field for Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings inactives for Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts
Over in the other locker room, we already know that the Colts will be without starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann, as they ruled him out on Friday. In his place, Indianapolis is expected to start rookie Matt Goncalves, which seems like something the Vikings defense should be able to take advantage of on Sunday.
Other than Raimann, edge rusher Kwity Paye was the only other player listed on the Colts' final injury report for Week 9. Paye suffered a hamstring injury in one of Indianapolis's practices last week and he was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report.
Will the Colts not having their starting left tackle end up helping Minnesota get its first home "Sunday Night Football" win since 2018 this weekend, or will Cashman's absence result in another loss for the Vikings?
Vikings Inactives for Week 9
Blake Cashman - LB
Akayleb Evans - CB
Dan Feeney - OL
Dwight McGlothern - CB
Walter Rouse - OT
Brett Rypien - QB (Emergency 3rd QB)
Colts Inactives for Week 9
Genard Avery - DE
Sam Ehlinger - QB
Adam Gotsis - DE
Anthony Gould - WR
Bernhard Raimann - LT