The Detroit Lions are staring down a massive Sunday matchup against the undefeated, NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings, and star running back Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t practice Wednesday, listed with a shoulder injury. This is a huge hit for a 4-2 Lions squad preparing for one of their most crucial tests of the season.
Detroit’s Depth Tested Ahead of Crucial Divisional Battle
Lions head coach Dan Campbell had already signaled earlier in the day that some key players would be held out of practice. While safety Kerby Joseph made his much-anticipated return to practice on Wednesday, the team is still navigating a significant injury report. Several major players were given a scheduled rest day and did not practice, including Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Alim McNeill, and Penei Sewell.
But it’s more than just rest days and Gibbs’ unexpected shoulder issue. Fellow running back Jacob Saylors was a limited participant due to a neck injury. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown sat out entirely with his ankle injury, mirroring Campbell’s earlier comments. Rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was also limited, and starting defensive lineman Tyleik Williams missed practice due to illness. This isn’t just a bump in the road, it’s a gauntlet of health concerns hitting the Lions right when they need everyone clicking against a perfect Vikings team.
Minnesota’s Undefeated Run Not Without Its Own Scares
While the focus is on Detroit’s challenges, the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings aren’t exactly walking into Sunday completely unscathed. They’ve got their own significant concerns on the injury report. Offensive lineman Joe Huber didn’t practice Wednesday due to a knee injury. Huber has been crucial, starting the last two games at left guard, stepping in after Donovan Jackson required surgery for a torn meniscus back in Week 4. That’s a big hole on their offensive line.
Running back Aaron Jones Sr. also missed practice with a knee injury. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell categorized Jones as day-to-day after he left their Week 7 game against Indianapolis in the fourth quarter following a 17-yard run. Losing a back like Jones, even temporarily, could impact their ground game. Starting right tackle Brian O’Neill was also a limited participant, battling his own knee issue. So, while the Vikings look unstoppable on paper, they are not immune to the injury bug as they head into this pivotal NFC North clash.
This Sunday is setting up to be an absolute slugfest in the NFC North, with both teams facing significant injury questions. For the Lions, knowing if Gibbs, St. Brown, and others will be ready to roll against the league’s last unbeaten squad is going to be the biggest question mark heading into kickoff. We’re about to see who’s truly ready for primetime, injuries or not.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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