Just In: Vikings’ cornerback will miss the Lions game due to a knee injury

admin | December 22, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

With the Vikings’ top corner sidelined, rookie Mekhi Blackmon is in line for a larger role. Six additional regular contributors are doubtful for Sunday’s game against Detroit.

Due to a knee injury, Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. will miss his first game as a starter against the Lions on Sunday. After skipping practice all week, he was declared out on Friday.

Six other regular contributors were listed as questionable by the Vikings, including right tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle), running back Alexander Mattison (ankle), linebacker Jordan Hicks (shin), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (shoulder), and defensive tackles Harrison Phillips (back) and Jonathan Bullard (ankle). Jalen Nailor (concussion) has been ruled out as well.

Murphy, who leads the club with three interceptions, walked through the locker room with a noticeable limp on Friday. He said he injured his knee while playing 69 of 70 snaps against the Bengals and declined to go further.

“I think it was early on,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “and it just shows how tough he is.” I fought through it, I fought through it. That’s one of those players who, no matter what the injury report says, you expect him to be out there.”

Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, a rookie third-round pick, could see more playing time in his third NFL start. As a part-time player and spot starter, he has already played 39% of the defensive snaps. The Lions’ explosive offense ranks fourth in the league, averaging 253.5 passing yards per game.

“It’s been eye-opening,” added Blackmon. “You never really know what to expect in the NFL.” With this being a major game, I’m definitely looking forward to this week.”

O’Neill, Mattison, and Phillips were limited in their first session on Friday. Phillips battled a back ailment against the Bengals. Due to ankle sprains, O’Neill and Mattison have been out since the Dec. 10 victory in Las Vegas.

O’Connell was pessimistic about O’Neill’s chances of playing on Sunday. David Quessenberry, the right tackle, might earn his third start of the season.

“He got some team reps [Friday],” said O’Connell of O’Neill. “It’s an incredibly important game, but we got to make sure … we’re looking out for what’s in the best interest of the player and making sure we’re trying to have these guys available much more than just this weekend.”

The Vikings’ linebacker corps could be whole once more. Hicks was “flying around,” according to O’Connell, after a successful return to practice this week following leg surgery on Nov. 12. Pace, the star rookie, has “shoulder soreness,” according to the coach, and will be limited on Friday.

“He just didn’t get his full allotment of reps,” said O’Connell. “I’m pleased with where I.P. is. I’m curious to see how he reacts to the work [on Friday].”

The Lions have ruled out four players: C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral), Jerry Jacobs (hamstring), Brock Wright (hip), and Jason Cabinda (knee). Derrick Barnes (shoulder) of the Lions is classified as questionable to play.

‘Finishing games’

The Vikings’ scoring defense, which is ranked sixth in the league, has recently been vulnerable against the clock. They’ve let up game-winning touchdowns at the end of games against the Bengals, Bears, and Broncos, which has been a point of emphasis for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

“Especially in that end-of-game, two-minute, four-minute [defense], we got to do a better job finishing games,” Flores said in a statement. “That is something I take full responsibility for.” I need to improve my coaching and put our players in better positions. Our players work hard, and we need to improve our finishing.”

Hockenson nears first 1,000-yard season

T.J. Hockenson can have his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL with 98 receiving yards against his former team on Sunday. But, according to Hockenson, that can’t be something he thinks about while it’s happening. Through 14 games and two damaged ribs, he leads the Vikings with 91 catches and 902 receiving yards.

“You kind of look at that stuff after the season and able to recollect,” Hockenson went on to say. “Kirk [Cousins] has hinted at it. Every year, all you want to do is go into the season and be a reliable player. Every Sunday, you wish you could be that person. … The stats and such aren’t really important to me right now.