Vikings injury report: 4 starters not practicing as Lions approach
With the biggest game of the season approaching, the Vikings still don't know if they'll have four starters on the field against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Right tackle Brian O'Neill (ankle), running back Alexander Mattison (ankle), defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (back) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (hamstring) were all held out of practice Thursday. All four also missed practice Wednesday.
David Quessenberry started in O'Neill's place last Saturday against the Bengals and Ty Chandler got the start for Mattison. If Murphy Jr. can't go, the onus will be on Akayleb Evans and rookie Mekhi Blackmon to step up in the secondary.
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor also missed a second straight practice Thursday as he remains in concussion protocol, and edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who is second in the NFL with 15.5 sacks. was limited Thursday because of an illness.
Defensive linemen Jonathan Bullard and Sheldon Day were both limited due to ankle injuries.
The only good news the Vikings had on the injury report Thursday is a second straight full practice for linebacker Jordan Hicks, who now appears likely to suit up for the first time since undergoing emergency surgery on his shin after suffering a compartment syndrome injury in Week 11 against the Saints.
Harrison Phillips (97)
Image courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
