The Minnesota Vikings got some good news Friday ahead of Sunday night’s massive regular season finale against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field (7:20 CST, NBC).
Running back Aaron Jones, who injured his quad last week against the Green Bay Packers and missed Minnesota’s final three offensive possessions, was removed from the Vikings injury report following a full practice session. He’ll be out there for a game that means everything for both teams, the winner getting not only the NFC North division title, but the No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Sunday night’s game, and there’s a chance they do after Raymond logged three full practice sessions. Veteran Tim Patrick has settled into Detroit’s No. 3 wide receiver spot well this season, but the depth chart is thin behind him.
RB Craig Reynolds (back)
Reynolds was a late addition to Detroit’s injury report and did not practice on Friday. Typically, that’s not a great sign. The third-year back handled a season-high 24 snaps against the 49ers on Monday night. Vaki, a 2024 fourth-round pick, would likely be the next man up behind Gibbs on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings
Out
LB Patrick Jones II (knee)
Jones was knocked out of last week’s game after receiving a low block from Packers tight end Tucker Kraft. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said Jones would be ready to go for Sunday night, but that’s not how the week played out. Jones missed all three practices. This could mean more opportunity for first-round rookie Dallas Turner, behind Pro Bowl starters Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Questionable
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (illness)
Grugier-Hill feels like a long shot to play, as he missed all three practices this week. He’s seen some run on defense this season after injuries to Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr., but with those guys back in the lineup, Grugier-Hill’s role has been more focused on special teams.
CB Fabian Moreau (hip)
The veteran has been working his way back from a hip injury since Week 15. If he’s active, Moreau figures to fill a reserve role with Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin locking down the top corner spots, with help from Josh Metellus.
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