It's a short week for the Minnesota Vikings. After suffering a frustrating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the team must turn around and hit the road to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football.
Although the Vikings had their bye week already, the team is still dealing with multiple injuries that could impact the availability of some players to play in a pivotal game in the season for the purple and gold.
The final injury report for the game on Thursday night brings more disappointing news. The Vikings already announced that Carson Wentz would be the starter at quarterback, but now another offensive player could make an impact.
The Minnesota Vikings will be without fullback C.J. Ham for their Thursday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
On the final injury report for the Minnesota Vikings for the Oct. 23 game against the Chargers, another surprise hit fans. Fullback C.J. Ham is listed as out for the Week 8 game with an injury to his hand.
The #Vikings final Week 8 injury report pic.twitter.com/LRP011ka49
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 22, 2025
Ham was on injured reserve earlier this season because of a knee injury. He returned to action for Minnesota in Week 5. Considering the injuries to Minnesota's offensive line this season, his absence could hurt the team's offense.
In addition to Ham, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel has been ruled out. A neck injury has kept the Vikings defender out of action and will once again sideline him this week.
Five players on the injury report were listed as questionable for the game. Those players are quarterback J.J. McCarthy, offensive tackle Brian O'Neill, running back Zavier Scott, running back Aaron Jones, and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw.
With Darrisaw and O'Neil questionable and Ham out, the blocking for Minnesota's offense could struggle. The good news is that first-round draft pick Donovan Jackson is a full-go for Thursday and should return to his spot at left guard in the starting lineup.
In addition, quarterback Carson Wentz was dealing with a shoulder injury, but did not receive any designation for this game and was a full participant this week for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced him as the starter earlier this week.
Don't miss the Minnesota Vikings when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers in California on Thursday Night Football. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries this season, and the two clubs will be desperate to get a win in prime time.