Week 16 will see the 12-2 Minnesota Vikings hit the road to take on the Seattle Seahawks in a game that could have major implications on the playoff picture in the NFC and be a huge contest in for the NFC North.
This deep into the season, health can play a major factor in games. For Seattle, the biggest question involves quarterback Geno Smith. Minnesota has some questions as well, but thankfully not at quarterback.
However, the Vikings will enter Sunday's game with a couple of defenders on the mend. Most notably, starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore missed the last two contests but could be able to suit up in Week 16.
Top Vikings defender in danger of missing Week 16 game vs. Seahawks
The emergence of defensive lineman Jalen Redmond has been a great story for Minnesota. The 25-year-old Oklahoma product was an undrafted free agent of the Carolina Panthers in 2023 but was waived that August. He took his talent to the XFL where he thrived with the Arlington Renegades and got another shot in the NFL with Minnesota.
Standing six-foot-two and weighing 291 pounds, Redmond has played in 11 games for Minnesota this season, starting two of those contests. He has 15 tackles, two pass defenses, and one sack in those games.
Sadly, Jalen Redmond is in danger of missing the next Vikings game after entering concussion protocol according to head coach Kevin O'Connell via NFL insider Ben Goessling on X.
Kevin O’Connell said Brian O'Neill's knee is sore, but he should be able to work through the week. He said the #Vikings expect to have Stephon Gilmore practicing.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 17, 2024
Jalen Redmond is in the concussion protocol, after the independent evaluator flagged it late in the game.
Unless you were keeping tabs on Redmond in the game, you likely didn't notice anything happened with him. Minnesota's young defensive lineman has been a force in the trenches for the Vikings and it would be a shame if he can't clear concussion protocol by Sunday afternoon.
It is a fairly short week for Minnesota, who played the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football last week. This could play a factor in Redmond clearing concussion protocol in time for the game against the Seahawks.
The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best run defenses in the league statistically, but have been in a position where their opposition has been forced to pass quite often, limiting their chances to gain huge yardage on the ground. Having Jalen Redmond in the lineup on Sunday could help the team against a Seattle team that already ranks No. 28 in rushing yards per game at 94.3.