Week 16 was a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings. They were facing off against their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions, looking to keep their slim hopes of winning back-to-back division titles alive. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
The Vikings lost the game 30-24 as Nick Mullens threw four interceptions. The loss dropped Minnesota’s record to 7-8 on the season, dropping their chances of making the postseason to 28 percent. That sets up what amounts to an elimination game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.
Sweeping a season series against a division foe is hard enough when you are at full strength. The Vikings won’t be close to that when the teams take the field for Sunday Night Football. Already without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, the offense was delivered more devastating blows.
NFL News & Rumors: T.J. Hockenson, D.J. Wonnum, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Star tight end T.J. Hockenson was injured against the Lions and there was some worry the injury was serious. That turned out to be true, as head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL, ending his season. He was ruled out midway through the third quarter after getting hit by safety Kerby Joseph.
Joining him on the sidelines will be edge rusher D.J. Wonnum. Wonnum needed to be carted off the field early in the fourth quarter against the Lions. He has been diagnosed with a torn quad and will have to undergo surgery as well.
Those are two major blows for the Vikings as they play key roles on the team. Hockenson leads the team with 960 receiving yards, adding five touchdowns. Wonnum has recorded 8.0 sacks, which is second on the team behind Danielle Hunter.
NFL News & Rumors: T.J. Hockenson, D.J. Wonnum, Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Updates
In addition to those two players being ruled out, O’Connell offered less than encouraging updates on wide receiver Jordan Addison and cornerback Mehki Blackmon. Addison is dealing with an ankle injury that was suffered when he collided with a teammate attempting to tackle Joseph after a turnover. Blackmon has a shoulder ailment as both players are considered day-to-day.
On top of the injuries, the Vikings are considering another change at quarterback. Mullens has gone 0-2 in his starts, leaving the door open for Joshua Dobbs to reclaim the starting role or rookie Jaren Hall to be inserted into the lineup.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
